The Rev. E. Gerard Huesman was born in Baltimore and raised on Westgate Road. He attended St. Pius V and St. Agnes parish schools before entering the St. Charles Roman Catholic Seminary in Catonsville. He completed his studies at St. Mary's Seminary & University in Roland Park. Archbishop J. Michael Curley ordained him to the priesthood in 1941.
In 1960, he was named pastor of St. Lawrence the Martyr in Jessup, where he also served as the chaplain at the House of Correction and the Maryland Reformatory for Women.
"He had a custom at St. Lawrence," said the Rev. Brian M. Rafferty, a friend and fellow pastor. "When he baptized a child, he rang the bell to let the community know that they had increased by one."
Father Rafferty said that Father Huesman was "quiet and self-effacing with a sharp wit that did not abide fools well." Fr. Rafferty also said Fr. Huesman was wedded to a gospel that put the good of his people first.
He passed away on June 7, 2010 at St. Joseph's Nursing Home in Catonsville. He was 95 years old.