Name: Visitation for Joseph "Joe" Gervais
Start: 2023-10-09T20:00:00.000Z
End: 2023-10-10T00:00:00.000Z
Location: St. Catherine of Alexandria Church

Loving Father, "Papa", Son, Brother

U. S. Army Veteran

Westford

Joseph Peter "Joe" Gervais, 65, a lifelong resident of Westford, died unexpectedly on October 2, 2023, while asleep in the home he proudly designed and built.

Born in Lowell on October 14, 1957, he was the son of Gena (Galassi) Gervais of Westford, and the late Aime J. Gervais. A graduate of Nashoba Valley Technical High School with the class of 1975, Joe was a standout hockey player and all-around athlete throughout his high school years.

He enlisted in the U. S. Army on August 22, 1975, serving with the Company B 52nd Engineer Battalion in Germany. Honorably discharged on August 21, 1979, Sergeant Gervais was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, and the Driver's, Sharpshooter, and Rifle Expert Badges during his service.

He was a communicant of St. Mary Church of Chelmsford, and St. Catherine of Alexandria Church of Westford.

In 1987, Joe started his own business, Gervais Electric. For the next 36 years, he provided expert electrical services to both residential and business customers. He was also Assistant Wiring Inspector for the towns of Acton, Littleton, and Boxborough.

He coached Nashoba Youth Hockey for several years, served six years on the Board of Directors of the Academy of Notre Dame in Tyngsboro, and supported the Avon and Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Three Day Walk as a member of the route safety team. He was a longtime member of the Frederick S. Healy American Legion Post 159 in Westford.

Joe loved hockey, but was especially passionate about the game of golf. Known to many as "Kid Kringle", two of Joe's most memorable golf accomplishments were achieving the ever-elusive hole-in-one on June 10, 2006 at the Townsend Ridge Country Club, and winning the Masters North Tournament in Brewster, MA. Dedicated to supporting his community, Joe never passed up an opportunity to host or play in local fundraising tournaments.

Generous to a fault, Joe was the guy to call if you needed help of any kind. While not a man of many words, he enjoyed the true and honest things in life – a strong work ethic, and deep devotion to his family and friends.

Along with his mother, he is survived by two daughters, Maria C. Gervais RN of Luther, Michigan, and Darcy L. Gervais of Dracut, MA; a sister, Carol J. Burke and her husband James of Mont Vernon, NH, a brother, George M. Gervais, his wife Jennifer, and their daughter Sarah L. of Billerica, MA. "Papa" adored his three granddaughters, Mila M., Amy L., and Emily J. Rich. He also leaves several aunts, uncles, cousins, and many friends.

Visitation will be held at St. Catherine of Alexandria Church, 107 North Main Street, Westford, on Monday, October 9, 2023, from 4 to 8 PM. His Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Catherine of Alexandria Church on Tuesday, October 10, at 10 AM, followed by a ceremony of Military Funeral Honors. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in Joe's memory to the American Heart Association (www.heart.org), P.O. Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692. Arrangements are in the care of the MORSE-BAYLISS FUNERAL HOME, 122 Princeton Boulevard, Lowell. (978) 458-6841.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Lowell Sun on Oct. 8, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Gervais

Sponsored by lowellsun.com.

11 Entries

Carol Burke

October 4, 2024

It has been one year. I keep thinking this heartbreak will get better and maybe someday it will. I have been reminded that when we lose someone we love we must learn not to live without them but to live with the love they left behind.
I will love you forever my brother.
Until we meet again.
#1 sister

Jon Tuppa

July 3, 2024

I am saddened to just now hear the news of Joe's passing. Joe did a few projects at our home last year and his work ethic, attention to detail, and expertise were all appreciated. He was old school which is one of the things we welcomed.

RIP Joe, and may your memory be eternal.

Darcy Gervais

April 25, 2024

I replay our last phone conversation over and over again in my mind all the time. The last thing my Dad said to me on Friday, September 30th was: “Call me anytime baby, I love talking to you.” If I had known at the time that was going to be the last time I talked to him, I would’ve said so much more. I would’ve told him how much I appreciated him and all the sacrifices he made for my sister and I growing up. I would’ve told him that he was my hero and that I looked up to him as the ultimate role model in my life. I would’ve told him that he was hands down the best Dad anyone could hope for, and that’s the absolute truth.

My Dad was so involved in all aspects of my life. He always made sure we were safe, protected, well fed, well clothed, well educated. He always helped with homework, made sure we brushed our teeth, said our prayers, tucked us in. He told me he loved me multiple times a day and never made me feel like I was anything less than the center of his universe. I really can’t convey in words how great of a father and person he was.

He taught me to have fortitude; to be a kind, decent person, to respect others (especially my elders), to have a strong work ethic as well as moral compass. He taught me to pray and have faith in God and in humanity. He always told me that there’s good and bad in everyone and to always search for the good. He taught me to embrace my flaws and acknowledge my failures. He taught me so much in so many ways and was always there when I needed him, no matter the circumstances. I miss him terribly and the pain doesn’t go away, but it does get easier as time passes. Each day that goes by is one day closer until I will see him again. In everlasting paradise for all of eternity.

There’s no way to describe how it feels to have your heart shattered. The pain is both mental and physical. Sometimes I just want to scream at the world. I feel it’s not fair. How could someone so healthy, someone who ate well, exercised everyday, went to church on Sundays, worked full time, and drank protein shakes have to leave this earth so suddenly and unexpectedly? I will never understand and I will never fully come to terms with the loss of my father. But, I have to be strong for my children as well as the rest of my family. I know that’s all that he could ask for from me, so that’s what I’ll do.

Happy Heavenly Father’s Day to the best man I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing and the honor of being raised by. I love you Daddy

Jeri Ryan

November 7, 2023

Joe had such integrity. I live in a house he told me he used to play on the next to. Built in 1880, of course it had knob and tube. I had different electrician out. None could give me an estimate, because they just didn't know. They'd have to go through walls. I'd need a contractor, etc. It could 20-30 thousand dollars. I was beside myself. Then Joe came over and said, "I know these houses. It'll take me a day or two. We don't need to go through walls." He gave me a very reasonable quote and when I got the bill it was less. I knew then I found a good person as well as a good electrician.

Jeri

November 5, 2023

Joe was an exceptional human being. I hope you find a way to hold him close even though you have to let him go. He will always be in my heart

Carol

October 20, 2023

Our hearts break as we try to come to terms with the sudden and unexpected loss of you.
There is a huge void that your passing has left in our lives and for the grief that no one can help lessen.
But grief is the price we pay for love. Such a high cost but not something we would ever change. There is some comfort in that.
And you were so loved.
Rest in peace my brother. I will love you forever. Until we meet again.
#1 sister

Michael Morton

October 13, 2023

To meet Joe is to like him. His professionalism, knowledge, and calm demeaner were incomparable. It was always a joy to have Joe on the project. He will be deeply missed by the Platt team.

JP Miskell Grene

October 10, 2023

I am really sorry to hear about Joey's passing. I grew up in Westford and my older brother Bob was friends with Joey so he and few of Bob's friends were a fixture in my (happy) childhood in Westford. He was always a very nice, friendly and upbeat person. May Joey rest in peace and his memory be a blessing.
JP Miskell Grene, Ballybricken, Limerick, Ireland.

Harriet Leva

October 9, 2023

Such sad news to hear about Joe's passing. He did some of our electrical work over the years. Always pleasant to work with. Sorry for the family's loss.
Nashoba Heating & Cooling, Inc
Dan & Pete Mongan

Hank Connell

October 8, 2023

Dear Gervais family.
My sincere condolences to you all upon reading of the loss of Joe. Both a great friend and hockey teammate, he was a sincere, kind hearted person who was highly respected by all that came to know him, and never a bad word spoken by him about anyone, nor about him. Joe was totally selfless and generous to everyone in his life and albeit a quiet person he also had a great sense of humor. Such a life well lived.

Sincerely,
Hank Connell
St. Marys
GA.

Jodi Ross

October 8, 2023

I was so saddened to hear of Joe's passing. He was my electrician for many years and he was always so friendly, kind and helpful. I met Joe years ago at a mutual friend's wake. I was standing behind him outside in a very long line of people in a sleeveless dress. Joe could tell I was cold and he offered me his jacket, which I gratefully accepted. Turned out I knew his father Aime. About a month ago he was doing some work at my house, chatting about his grandkids, and he told me how much he was looking forward to his upcoming retirement. He discussed his intention to keep working, but part time. Joe was such a nice, thoughtful person, and I send my deepest sympathies to his family and friends. He will be missed.

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