Gerard H. Lavoie

Gerard H. “Jerry” Lavoie was welcomed into the arms of his Heavenly Father on May 6,2023.  Born in Worcester, MA. on May 22, 1926, he moved at an early age to the Merrimack Valley area.  Three years short of being a centenarian, his family is grateful and feels blessed to have had him in their lives for such an extended time.

Jerry proudly served in the United States Navy during World War II. He served in Okinawa in the Pacific Theater of Operations as Technical Storekeeper.  During one of his leaves, he met the love of his life, Lillian Dumais.  After the war, they married and spent 73 wonderful and loving years together.

 Jerry was employed as an engineer at Raytheon Company in Andover, MA for 23 years and retired in 1981 at the young age of 55 to spend time with his family and do things he enjoyed.

He was fascinated by the art of blowing glass and began experimenting with various techniques.  He opened his own glassblowing studio, Gerard Originals, and became well known for his unique and one-of-a-kind hand-blown ornaments. 

Jerry possessed a vast knowledge of computers and volunteered for years teaching computer technology to seniors at Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley.  As well, he had an interest in wireless communications and was a ham radio operator licensed by the FCC and known by the call letters  K1QVB.

Jerry found many interests after his retirement, but one which he was the most passionate about was building and flying radio-controlled model airplanes.  In 1998, Jerry became a member of the Flying Tigers Radio Control Club in Derry, NH and he enjoyed many years of “flying” and friendship with fellow flyers. When drones came on the market, he expanded his repertoire and began to  build and fly drones. 

Until recently, Jerry was a talented woods craftsman and enjoyed designing and completing many woodworking projects. He created many treasures that will be cherished by his family for many years to come.

Jerry’s favorite mantras throughout life were “Time is one’s most valuable assets” and “This (life) is not a dress rehearsal.”  Jerry lived each moment to the fullest extent possible. He loved his family more than anything and he believed that one was rich if he had the time to spend with family, on interests and passions. By this standard, Jerry was indeed a rich and fortunate man.

He is predeceased by his wife, Lillian M. (Dumais) with whom he had shared 73 glorious years of marriage. Jerry is survived by three daughters, Susan Daley (Wilfred) of Seabrook, NH; Elaine Incorvaia  (John) of Wake Forest, NC; Michele Blanchard (Kim) of Buzzards Bay, MA; and one son, David Lavoie of Methuen, MA. Jerry was a loving Pepere to eight grandchildren, and a great Pepere to eight great grandchildren.

Special thanks and deep gratitude to the following supportive and kind individuals for their loving care and attention:  Kathy M, and Valerie hospice nurses, and Bruce, Social Worker from Hospice Services of Massachusetts; Alicia Mitchell, NP, Kerry Slattery, Social Worker, and nurse Jenny from Kronos Health; Estephany and Johanna, CNA’s with Associated Home Care.

Family and friends are invited to an hour of visitation on Thursday May 11, 2023 from 9:30 am to 10:30 am at the Dewhirst Boles Funeral Home, 80 Broadway Methuen. A Funeral Mass will follow at 11 am on Thursday at St Monica Church, 212 Lawrence Street, Methuen. Burial will be in Elmwood Cemetery, Methuen.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice Services of Massachusetts, 681 Main St, Haverhill, MA 01830 or to Rosie’s Place, 889 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA  02118 (a beloved charity of Jerry).

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