Obituary: Gerald J. Garceau

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Gerald J. Garceau

NAUGATUCK — Gerald J. Garceau, 91, beloved husband of Rita (Lorson) Garceau, died peacefully Feb. 23, 2020, at his home, surrounded by his loving family.

Gerald was born Sept. 1, 1928, in Watertown, a son of the late Arthur and Esmeralda (Poudrier) Garceau, and had lived in Naugatuck most of his life.

Gerald retired after a long career with Uniroyal Footwear. He also had a successful income tax service and co-partnered the Peddler’s Market, both in Naugatuck. He was active in the community, serving in various roles and organizations. Gerald was a lover of the outdoors, enjoying hunting, fishing and camping. He loved vegetable gardening and sharing his bounty with family and friends.

In addition to Rita, his wife of almost 70 years, Gerald is survived by his sons, Ron Garceau (Janet), David Garceau (Donna) and Todd Garceau (Deneen); his daughters, Kathy Michalski (Len), Judy Cyr (Clarence), Laura Cyr (Patrick) and Dr. Roberta Garceau (Jerry O’Dwyer); his brother, Paul Garceau (Stella); his sister, Margaret Krebs; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Gerald was predeceased by his brother, Laurien Garceau.

Gerald also leaves his 19 grandchildren, Cara Michalski, Michael Cyr (Jen), Brian Cyr (Zilda), Lissah Michalski (Forrest Wilhoit), Shilo Garceau (Jason Watley), Justin Michalski (Tiffany), Roger Garceau (Christina), Adam Cyr (Jen), Seth Garceau (Allison), Rachel Garceau (Grady Cousins), Lorri Bond (Josh), Jeffrey Garceau (Maria), Elizabeth Gudzien (Brian), Alan Garceau (Samantha Sledz), Ryan Cyr, Sarah Garceau (Brendan Sullivan), William Garceau, Jacenda and Liam O’Dwyer. He also leaves 26 great-grandchildren.

Gerald was a gentle and kind man who always said that family came first. He brought a smile to the many people he met throughout his life with a joke or a story. He will be dearly missed.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, Feb. 29, at 9:30 a.m. at St. Vincent Ferrer Church, 1006 New Haven Road, Naugatuck. Everyone attending is asked to please meet directly at the church. Burial will be private. There are no calling hours, and arrangements have been entrusted to the Buckmiller Thurston Mengacci Funeral Home, 82 Fairview Ave., Naugatuck.

To honor Gerald’s memory, contributions can be made to a charity of your choice.

To leave an online condolence or for additional information, visit www.buckmillerthurstonmengacci.com.