Brother Gerald Patrick Hedrick, O.S.F., a member of the Franciscan Brothers of Brooklyn for 53 years, died Oct. 11.

He entered the order in 1965 from St. Thomas More parish, in Omaha, Neb.

From 1967 to 1992, he taught in Brooklyn elementary schools, namely St. Brigid in Bushwick; St. Francis Xavier, Park Slope; St. Mary Star of the Sea in Carroll Gardens, where he was also principal; and Our Lady of the Angels, Bay Ridge.

Formerly known as Brother Donatus, he also ministered in St. Mary Star of the Sea/Bishop Mugavero Apartments, Carroll Gardens, 1986-92, and with St. Anthony’s Guild, 1992-94.

He served as the attendance officer at both Xavier H.S., Manhattan, 1994-95, and Bishop Ford H.S., Park Slope, 1995-99.

He retired from active ministry in 1999 and was most recently in residence at Our Lady of Angels Friary, Bay Ridge.

A funeral Mass was celebrated at Our Lady of Angels Oct. 15. Burial followed in Holy Rood Cemetery, Westbury.