Gerard "Jerry" A. Paquette, 94, of Hudson, passed away on Friday, April 21, 2017 at Hanover Hill Health Care Center, surrounded by his loving family following a period of declining health.
Born in St. HonoreÌ, Quebec, Canada, he was the son of the late Edmond and Annie (Begin) Paquette. Raised and educated in Saco ME, he has been a resident of Hudson, NH for the last 50 years. He was employed as a production control specialist at Sanders Associates prior to retirement.
An honorably discharged veteran, Jerry served his country as a member of the United States Army, 462nd Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion (mobile), Battery C team member, 1943 to 1945. He proudly fought on the shores of Normandy, across the battlefields of France, Belgium, Luxemburg, and Germany, and celebrated VE Day at the Czechoslovakia border. His unit fought in many battles to include the Battle of the Bulge and the Remagan Bridgehead.
A dedicated husband, father, papa, and friend, Jerry was the pillar of strength for his family. He cherished time spent with his many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Jerry was an accomplished guitar player who enjoyed entertaining his friends and family. In his spare time, he tinkered around the house, finding new and creative ways to fix almost anything. Jerry will be best remembered for his wit and love of family.
Jerry is survived by his five children, Connie & Gary Webster of Hudson, Ken & Laraine Paquette of Penticton, Canada, Diane Croteau of Manchester, Marie & Blake Miller of Hudson, and Steve & Robin Paquette of Hudson; 12 beloved grandchildren; 12 doting great grandchildren; three surviving brothers, Robert & Alice Paquette Biddeford, ME, Tony & May Paquet of Biddeford, ME, and John Paquette of Saco, ME; several nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends. In addition to his wife, Doris (Gagnon) Paquette, with whom he shared 66 years of marriage, Jerry was predeceased by his son, Billy Paquette; granddaughter and spouse, Rosita & Piper Simmons; great grandson, Sean Simmons; and son-in-law, Russell Croteau.
ARRANGEMENTS: A Memorial Mass will be held on Friday, April 28, at 10:00 A.M. at St. Kathryn's Church, 4 Dracut Rd., Hudson, followed by a Committal Service in St. Patrick's Cemetery, 102 Derry Street, Hudson. A Life Celebration will be announced at the Committal Service. Friends and relatives invited. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that you donate in Jerry's name to the American Legion, Post 48, 1 Fulton Street, Hudson, NH 03051. Assisting the family with arrangements is the Cremation Society of New Hampshire, 243 Hanover St., Manchester, NH.