Gerald S. Ribeiro, 50, of New Bedford died December 22, 2002 at Charlton Memorial Hospital surrounded by his family and friends after an 18 year struggle with AIDS.

He was the husband of Shelly A. Perry and son of the late John R. and Mary S. (Silva) Ribeiro.

Gerald was born in New Bedford and lived in New Bedford all of his life.

He was a spiritual being who believed in the love of humanity. He wanted to be remembered as someone who tried to get people to understand the commonalties, to see that we are all connected. He was a US Army Vietnam Era Veteran and also was a member of the Black Panther Party.

Gerald was co-founder of Treatment On Demand and served in a leadership position until his death. In 1995 he was awarded the Standard-Times first Man of the Year. He also received recognition from city and state level government and awards from numerous community groups.

Gerald spoke publicly about his experiences with HIV/AIDS and substance abuse to educational institutions, religious groups, neighborhood associations and other public forums. He lobbied timelessly to create legislative change for issues around the twin epidemics - substance abuse and HIV/AIDS. He rallied with his phrase "Don't just mourn, organize".

Survivors include his wife; 3 sons, Jonathan Ribeiro of New Bedford; Jamaal Ribeiro and Jewel Ribeiro, both of Providence and 1 son due to be born May, 2003 Grey Ribeiro Perry; 2 daughters, Nsenga Ribeiro of Florissant, MO and Shante Mendes-Ribeiro of New Bedford; 6 brothers, John R. "Ribs" Ribeiro, Jr., Kenneth Ribeiro and Joaquim "Jack" Ribeiro, all of New Bedford, Peter Ribeiro of Provincetown, Mark Ribeiro of Long Island and Bruce Ribeiro of Winston-Salem, NC; 2 sisters, Patricia Rose of New Bedford and Doreen Ribeiro of Peoria, Illl.; 3 grandchildren, Kenneth "Rance" Pitts of Florissant, MO, Imani Nelson of Florissant, MO and Jaevon Gerald Ribeiro of St. Louis, MO; many nieces and nephews, friends and his extended community.

He was the brother of the late Richard Ribeiro and Adelina Ribeiro.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Memorial Service in the First Unitarian Church corner of Union and Eight Sts., New Bedford, Saturday, December 28th at 1 PM.

Visiting hours in the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford Friday, December 27th from 6-9 PM.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Treatment On Demand, Inc., 459 Kempton St. New Bedford, MA 02740.