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RHINEBECK, N.Y. – Gerald "Jerry" C. Regan, of Rhinebeck, and formerly of Kingston, died Wednesday, Jan. 27, at the Thompson House. He was 81.
Born in Brooklyn on Sept. 30, 1934, he was the son of Florence Litchauer.
He served in the Navy during the Korean War and subsequently in the merchant marine. When he returned home, he received his bachelor's degree from Farleigh-Dickenson University and became an educator at a charter school in Manhattan with Operation Head Start. He later was a habilitation counselor with Gateway Industries in Kingston, and a youth counselor at the Astor Home in Rhinebeck, where he supported individuals with a developmental disability and at-risk youth.
He was most known as a prolific actor and visual artist, having performed in “Measure for Measure” and “Richard III” with the New York Shakespeare Festival under the direction of Joseph Papp. He also acted in some of the first live television theatrical productions with Playhouse 90.
Upon moving to the Hudson Valley, he was very active with the Performing Arts of Woodstock and the Center for Performing Arts in Rhinebeck, where some of his notable productions were “The Birthday Party,” “The Skin of Our Teeth,” “Noises Off” and many more. He was also a painter and sculptor who worked primarily in oil paints and clay.
His son is preparing a memorial exhibition of his work to be announced at a later date.
He is survived by his wife, Frauke Regan; and his son, Patrick Regan, of Philadelphia, Pennsylania. Interment will occur on Saturday, March 12, at Rhinebeck Cemetery with a brief memorial service to follow.
Charitable donations can be made in his name to Doctors Without Borders or UNICEF.
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