Farewell Father Dullard

Fr Gerald (Gerry) John Dullard OSA

(3 April 1932 - 30 May 2022)

It is with both sadness for the loss and gratitude for the life that has been lived that we regretfully inform you of the death of Gerald (Gerry) John DULLARD OSA on May 30, at the Coppin Centre, South Yarra after a period of illness. Gerry died in the presence of his only remaining sibling Sr Cletus (Catherine) Dullard CSB.

It goes without saying that Gerry was larger than life and there will be great memories of him for years to come. Gerry was born on April 3, 1932 to Jim and Mary Dullard, farmers at Pinegrove East via Mitiamo, between Lockington and Echuca in northern Victoria so Augustinian connections were there right from the beginning. Gerry’s siblings were Jim, Frank, Fr Maurice SJ, Rita Slattery, Sr Maurus (Cletus) Dullard CSB (all deceased) and , as mentioned above,  his surviving sister Sr Cletus (Catherine/Nan) Dullard CSB.

Gerry was in the first novitiate group to take place in Australia and was professed with Pat Fahey on April 22, 1951. Following studies in the United States, Gerry was ordained in Washington on 8 February, 1958 together with Pat Fahey and John Barry. In 1959 Gerry returned to Australia, had some pastoral work experience at St James’ Parish, Coorparoo and began many years on the staff of Villanova College , Coorparoo (1959-1973). Following study leave in 1974 Gerry served as Chaplain to Griffith University and Mt Gravatt College of Advanced Education, as well as conducted counselling courses at the Catholic Family Welfare Bureau in Brisbane.

Then followed many years in parish ministry – Manly Vale (1979-1987 – Pastor 1983-1987); First Pastor of the new parish at Redland Bay (1987-1995), Echuca (1995-1999- Pastor), Mareeba (1999-early 2000s) and then to South Yarra. 

Father Dullard played a significant role in both our school community and in the local parish during his time in Echuca.

The Dullard family have a long history with the school and were responsible for donating the marble altar in our College Chapel.

We send our deepest sympathies, love and prayers to the Dullard family and all those who knew him.

A funeral service was held at St Mary's Church, Echuca on Thursday 16 June at 11am.