Gerry Virgil: December 29, 1934–November 6, 2023

Gerry Virgil, beloved wife of Bob Virgil, died on November 6 in St. Louis. She was 88.

“As many of you know, Gerry was active for decades on behalf of Olin and across the WashU campus,” Olin Dean Mike Mazzeo said Wednesday in an email to faculty and staff.

She and Bob, the dean of Olin from 1977 to 1993, worked tirelessly to build relationships among alumni, faculty and the community.

Gerry’s relationship with WashU began in 1958 when Bob began his graduate work at Olin. Since then, WashU has benefited from the couple’s spirit of service toward students, the Olin Business School, our institution and our region. 

After Bob retired from the university in 1993, alumni and friends endowed a scholarship in the couple’s name. Later, friends and colleagues of Gerry and Bob endowed a professorship at Olin in their names.

Together, Gerry and Bob received the Dean’s Medal from Olin in 1996. The medal is awarded to friends whose dedication and service to WashU Olin have been exceptional. By providing wise advice, pursuing high objectives, and inspiring the enthusiasm and support of others, Dean’s Medalists have made a significant difference to the school and enhanced its progress.

Gerry is survived by her husband; daughter Karen (Matthew) Weaver of Jacksonville, Florida; daughter Kim (Paul) Blake of Glenview, Illinois; daughter Kate (Robert) Price of Dallas, Texas; son Matthew (Kelley) Virgil of Hudson, Ohio; 12 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

A memorial service is scheduled for 11 a.m. January 6, 2024, at Graham Chapel.

Photo: Bob and Gerry Virgil in 2015. (Credit: Whitney Curtis for Washington Magazine)