Gerald H Charest

Gerald H. Charest, loving husband and devoted Father, passed away peacefully at Avita of Stroudwater in Westbrook on January 14, 2017. Gerry was born October 10th, 1926 in Fall River, Massachusetts. He grew up speaking French as his first language. He celebrated his 90th birthday with his family in Kennebunkport on October 1st. Gerry met his wife Marcia in New Haven where he owned a photography studio. They were married in 1954 and were inseparable for 62 years. They have four children and two grandchildren: Anne Hayes and husband George and their children Brittany and Ashley; Mary Telford and husband Tom, Peter, and Kate Jones and husband Fred. Gerry was predeceased by his brother Aime. He leaves two brothers, Roger and Bobby and numerous nephews and nieces. A decorated veteran of World War II and the Korean Conflict, Gerry had a deep love of this country. He often talked about his time during the wars and how lucky we were to live in the United States. A child of the Great Depression, he never took anything for granted and instilled the importance of hard work in his children. He and Marcia lived in Manchester, Connecticut where they raised their four children. Gerry worked at Pratt & Whitney Aircraft in East Hartford, Connecticut for 31 years. In addition, he spent most weekends as a wedding photographer. He and Marcia retired to Rhode Island in 1987 after which they traveled extensively, settling in Florida where he kept busy with part-time jobs including being a docent at the Salvador Dali Museum. Gerry was a proud graduate of the University of Rhode Island, finishing his degree at 72 years of age. Following 9/11, he and Marcia moved back to Maine to be closer to family. His strong Catholic faith was the underpinning of his life and an example to his children. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus all his life. A sensitive man, he would often be moved to tears when hearing or seeing something beautiful. A gifted artist, he shared his appreciation for music and the arts with his children, who remember his beautiful tenor voice from numerous Gilbert and Sullivan performances at their local community theater. He loved to read, especially books about military history. He also loved to stop and chat with people as he went about his day and always had a quick smile and witty comment. Nothing made him happier than being surrounded by his wife and family; he was incredibly proud of his children and told them often. A private service was held on January 17th. Donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or the Catholic Charities of America. Thanks to the loving staff at Avita of Stroudwater in Westbrook where Marcia and Gerry made their home for the last two years, as well as the extraordinary staff from Compassus hospice. The family asks you to remember them in your prayers during this challenging time.