Maj. Gen. Francis R. Gerard, the former Adjutant General of New Jersey died on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2008 at the age of 84. Gerard commanded the New Jersey Army and Air National Guard from January 1982 to January 1990 during the administration of Governor Thomas Kean Jr.

      Gerard oversaw the expansion of the New Jersey Department of Defense into the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, adding the responsibilities for services and programs for the 882,000 veterans then living in the state.

      The Point Pleasant resident earned the title of “Ace” during World War II as a P-51 pilot for the 8th Air Force. Gerard destroyed eight German fighter planes in aerial combat over Europe.

      Viewing is 6-9 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 4; and 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 5 at Colonial Funeral Home, 2170 Route 88, Brick, N.J.

      Mass/Internment on Thursday, Nov. 6 at Brig. Gen. William C. Doyle State Veterans Cemetery, North Hanover, N.J.