Gary P. Jolly, DPM, FACFAS, 61, died Jan. 31, 2010, after battling cancer for the past two years.

Jolly served as president of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS) in 2004-05. He will be remembered as a visionary leader who often challenged the status quo and constantly urged “raising the bar” in the education and training of foot and ankle surgeons, from medical school through the end of one’s career.

Jolly earned a B.S. degree from Upsala College in 1970 and his DPM degree from the Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine in 1975, followed by four years of residency and a fellowship at the Metropolitan Hospital in Philadelphia. He achieved certification from the American Board of Podiatric Surgery in 1975 and became an ACFAS Fellow that same year.

During his career, Jolly served as a clinical professor of surgery, residency director and a prolific author and speaker. Most recently he was the founder and principal surgeon of the Center for Reconstructive Foot Surgery in New Britain, Conn. Gary is survived by his wife, Joann; four children: Jessica (Adam) Rodriguez, Dana Jolly, Grady (Keith) Edelstein and Adam Adamek; two grandchildren: Ariana and Isabella Rodriguez; and his two loyal companions, Clifford and Bella.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, Feb. 6, in St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 224 Lovely St., Avon, at 11:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations in Gary’s name be made to any of the following: ACFAS Legacy Fund for podiatric surgery education and research initiatives, 8725 West Higgins Road, Suite 555, Chicago, Ill. 60631-2724, St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 224 Lovely St., Avon, CT 06001 or Joslin Center for Diabetes, One Joslin Place, Boston, MA 02215. Arrangements are being handled by the Ahern Funeral Homes, Inc.