MILLINOCKET – Bernard E. Gerry Jr., 89, died Monday, July 12, 2010, surrounded by his five daughters at his home. He was born Jan. 17, 1921, in Millinocket, the son of Bernard E. and Blanche (McManomen) Gerry. Bernard was educated in Millinocket schools and was a graduate of Stearns High School, Class of 1939. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II, attaining the rank of sergeant before being discharged in 1946. After the war, Bernard returned to Millinocket and continued his work for Great Northern Paper Co., Millinocket, where he had started working in 1939. He retired in 1986 with 47 years of service, having risen to paper mill superintendent. He was honored as Superintendent of the Year by Paper Industry Management Association in 1985, an extremely prestigious honor. He married Mary (Kimball) Gerry in 1947, and together they shared 34 years and raised five girls. Sadly, Mary predeceased Bernard in 1982. He was a communicant of St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church, Millinocket, and was a member of St. Martin’s Council No. 680, Knights of Columbus. He was an avid hunter, fisherman and sports enthusiast, especially enjoying following the Boston Red Sox. Bernard also enjoyed boat rides with the family on Ambejejus Lake. He is survived by five daughters, Margaret Boxold of Springfield, Mass., Judith Zucco and her husband, Peter, of Old Saybrook, Conn., Elizabeth Kimsey and her husband, Michael, of Bangor, Susan Oliver and her husband, James, of Baileyville, and Terese Peterson and her husband, Michael, of Boise, Idaho; six grandchildren, Michelle Piotrowski, Joseph Zucco, Susan Zucco, Ashley Oliver, Gerry Kimsey and Collin Kimsey; three great-grandsons, Jack and Max Piotrowski, and Sam Zucco; siblings, Betty Corrigan of Portland, Bishop Joseph “John” Gerry of Manchester, N.H., and Mickey Hopkins and her husband, Arnold, of Millinocket; many nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to Mary, Bernard was predeceased by his second, wife, Erna (Alley) Gerry; siblings, Barbara Tibbets, Catherine Clark, Father Jude “James” Gerry, Nora Cooper, and an infant sister, Blanche Gerry. The family extends a special thank you to the many friends, neighbors and caregivers who helped keep Bernard’s return to Millinocket comfortable and peaceful. Friends are invited to visit with the family 4-8 p.m. Wednesday at Lamson Funeral Home, 11 Tamarack St., Millinocket, where a prayer service will begin 7 p.m. conducted by the officers and members of St. Martin’s Council No. 680. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 11 a.m. Thursday, July 15, at Christ the Divine Mercy Parish, St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church, 19 Colby St., Millinocket. Interment with military honors will be at Millinocket Cemetery. Gifts in memory of Bernard may be sent to St. Anselm College, 100 St. Anselm Drive, Manchester, NH 03102; Community Health and Counseling Hospice Services, 313 Enfield Road, Lincoln, ME 04457; or Katahdin Area Support Group, 10 Field St., Millinocket, ME 04462. Messages of condolence may be expressed at www.lamsonfh.com.
BERNARD E. GERRY JR.
