Gerald R. Lalonde

Gerald R. Lalonde, 90 of Manchester, formerly of West Nottingham, died May 20th at Villa Crest Nursing Home following a period of declining health.

Born in Fitchburg, MA on November 18, 1927, he was the youngest child of Alfred and Laura (Levesque) Lalonde.

Gerry attended local schools in Fitchburg and Old Orchard Beach, ME and graduated from Old Orchard Beach High School class of 1945. He joined the Merchant Marine at age 17 in the closing days of WW II. After his service he returned to Maine and graduated from the University of Maine with a degree in Business. In 1954, Gerry married the love of his life, Rose Bourgeois and they shared 58 wonderful years together. He pursued a career in retailing working for the W.T. Grant Co. for over 20 years. In 1973, he started up the Ben Franklin Store in Raymond, NH which he operated until his retirement.

After retirement, Gerry became a gentleman farmer devoting his energies to his gardens and orchards. He took great pride in the fruit he got and especially with the numerous varieties of blueberries which were always his favorite. He also became interested in genealogy. He was an active member of the American Canadian Genealogical Society where he made numerous long lasting friendships. He served in many capacities on various committees in addition to several terms on the board of Directors and also as Treasurer.

In a recent letter, Gerry shared the following: "I have been very fortunate to have been born to a wonderful mother and father who guided me, a hyperactive child, to use my energy productively, and to a loving wife, for 58 years of marital bliss. To make up for the lack of children in our marriage, Rose and I enjoyed the friendship of innumerable friends and the opportunity to share the friendship of their children, who addressed us as Memere Rose and Pepere Gerry."

In addition to his parents, Gerry was predeceased by his beloved Rose in 2012, and all of his siblings, Rita, Gertrude, Roland (WW II) and Claire. He is survived by two nephews, Leslie Eastman of Old Orchard Beach, ME and Curtis Lalonde of Rochester, NH as well as numerous close friends.

Rest in peace Pepere Gerry.

Services- Calling hours will be held from 9:30am to 11am with a funeral service beginning at 11am on Friday May 25th at the French and Rising Funeral Home 17 S. Mast Street Goffstown, NH 03045. For more information or to sign an online guestbook please visit www.frenchandrising.com