October 01, 2018
J. Gerald “Gerry” Alaimo; retired athletics administrator and PC Hall of Fame inductee
J. Gerald “Gerry” Alaimo, a retired administrator in the Department of Athletics who mentored many of the College’s coaches and athletics staff, died on May 10, 2018, in Providence. He was 82.
Mr. Alaimo began working in the athletics department in 1978 as the director of intramurals and recreation. Dave Gavitt ’89Hon., the late legendary PC men’s basketball coach and athletics director, who was a close friend, brought Mr. Alaimo into the Friar family after he had served as the head men’s basketball coach at Brown University.
In 1983, Mr. Alaimo was promoted to assistant athletics director by Director of Athletics Lou Lamoriello ‘63 & ’01Hon. He was promoted again, to senior associate athletics director, in 1995 and remained in that role until retiring in 2001. He was inducted into the PC Athletics Hall of Fame in 2011.
Mr. Alaimo remained closed to the College and the athletics department after retiring. For years, he worked out daily in Alumni Hall or the Concannon Fitness Center, striking up conversations with former associates, students, and staff.
Those who interacted with Mr. Alaimo during his athletics administration days said his gruff exterior belied an underlying care for others and a commitment to supporting coaches, staff, and student-athletes.
“He was a good man. He helped an awful lot of people, though he didn’t want anyone to know it. He just loved the student-athletes here, whether they were involved in intramural or club sports, or the varsity athletes,” said John O’Neill, head coach of the Friars’ men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams.
O’Neill, who came to the College in 1984, developed a close relationship with Mr. Alaimo from the beginning, in part because both were the type to arrive to campus early and leave late. Mr. Alaimo “had his way of doing things” and worked hard to make sure the newer coaches and staff know he was a resource for them. Drawing on his experience as a coach, Mr. Alaimo “kept everything in perspective” for them and was regarded as a trusted adviser and mentor, said O’Neill.
“A lot of us sought his advice on anything that was happening. He had a great global view. He knew who to call here at the College and how to get things done,” he said.
A native of Torrington, Conn., Mr. Alaimo was the son of the late James and Elsie (Scholz) Alaimo., and the brother of the late John Alaimo.
He starred in basketball in high school and later at Brown University, where he scored 1,046 points during his career. He was inducted into the Brown Basketball Hall of Fame in 1974. After graduating from Brown, he coached at Middlebury College for five years. He later returned to Brown as head coach and led the Bears for 10 years before coming to Providence College.
Approximately 40 members and friends of the PC athletics community attended a graveside service for Mr. Alaimo on May 15 in Hillside Cemetery, Torrington.
Contributions in his memory may be made to the Providence College Swimming and Diving Program, Friars Forever Athletic Fund, 1 Cunningham Square, Providence, RI, 02918 (or givetopc.org), or to Crossroads of Rhode Island, 160 Broad St., Providence, RI 02903.
