Obituary for Gerry Repetto
We regret to report the death of Gerald Stanley Repetto, better known as Gerry, who was born on 26th August 1945, and sadly passed away on 2nd October 2025 aged 80 years. He was the fifth son of Joe and May Repetto.
Gerry was a capable islander who, as a teenager, often helped older relatives by writing out letters for them during their time in England 1961-1963. On return to Tristan, he worked for a time as an 18-year-old pupil teacher in St Mary's School, then housed in the old wartime wooden huts. He remains the only male islander known to have taught in the island school.
He spent much of his adult life abroad, living in the UK, Australia and South Africa, before returning home to Tristan in 2005, where he chose to settle permanently.
Gerry left Tristan in 1965/66 and worked with Marconi Wireless Telegraph Company, which kick-started his passion and career in communications. He later served as a Customs Officer at Heathrow Airport and trained with St John's Ambulance for a time. Following this he joined the Royal Navy where he remained for 15 years and gained experience in a telecommunications role. During his service aboad the aircraft carrier HMS Albion, Gerry learned that HMS Argonaut would be making a visit to Tristan in March 1972. He was offered a transfer so he could return home, an opportunity he gladly accepted, excited to be reunited with his family and the wider community.
He was always keen to experience new and exciting things, which prompted his move to Australia, where he joined the Australian Navy. Through dedication and hard work, he rose to the rank of Chief Petty Officer, dutifully serving for the next 24 years, which resulted in him seeing and exploring many different parts of the world. This is just to mention a few of the incredible things Gerry achieved over his lifetime.
When Gerry returned to Tristan in 2005, he played a central role in establishing telephone access in every home on the island working with telecommunications. This role was instrumental to daily life and connected families and the community in such a meaningful way. He was elected to the Island Council and served as a councillor from 2013-2016.
Gerry was always known for his generosity of spirit. He was much liked and respected by the youngsters on the island and would often be invited to their parties and camping trips.
He leaves a profound absence in the lives of those who knew and loved him. His memory, however, remains forever ingrained in the community he served, and in the hearts of those he touched. He is survived by his children including his son Cameron, his daughter Nicole and his sisters Yvonne, Maureen, and Joy.