Gerald Cournoyer

Gerald Cournoyer
October 28, 1941 – January 14, 2025
Gerald "Gerry" Cournoyer, 83, of Enfield, CT, peacefully entered into eternal rest on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of 62 years to Yolaine (Desrosiers) Cournoyer. Born on October 28, 1941, in Ste-Edwidge, Quebec, Gerry was the son of the late Roland and Adrienne Cournoyer. In 1965, he moved to the United States and made his home in Enfield for the past 56 years.
Gerry is survived by his devoted wife, Yolaine, and his loving children: Lysa Arseneault and her husband Jeffrey of Enfield, Mario Cournoyer and his wife Laura of Enfield, Julie Higgins and her partner James Davey of Enfield, and Kaven Cournoyer and his wife Allie of Palm Lakes, South Africa. He also leaves behind ten cherished grandchildren: Lawrence Levine, Christopher Levine and his fiancée Kaia Klaumann, Luke Arseneault, Ethan Cournoyer and his wife Tori, Ashley Bonelli and her husband Anthony, Jared Cournoyer, Declan Higgins, Gavin Higgins, Brody Cournoyer, and Nina Cournoyer; as well as four treasured great-grandchildren: Bernadette Cournoyer, Shea Cournoyer, Calvin Levine, and Luca Bonelli.
Gerry was one of eight siblings and is survived by his sister Jeannine Leduc, brothers Jacques Cournoyer, Michel Cournoyer and his wife Madeline, Daniel Cournoyer and his wife Linda, and sister Colette Dube and her husband Roland. He was predeceased by his sister Claudette Cournoyer and brother Robert Cournoyer. Gerry also leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews who held a special place in his heart.
A hard-working and skilled professional, Gerry spent 39 years in the construction business, building a successful company, Do All Drywall, before retiring. After retirement, Gerry and Yolaine explored North America in their motorhome for 20 years and traveled the world together, including memorable visits to South Africa to see Kaven and his family. They spent summers at their beloved family home on Lake Wallace in Vermont and wintered in Hollywood, Florida, where they formed a second family. Gerry was a leader in every part of his life. He was a Past Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus with the French-Canadian Council 6119 and became an active member of Council 50 and also was a member of the 4th Degree. He also served as the Social Director of the Beverly Hills Condominiums, coached broomball and softball, and organized numerous events such as hockey trips, seafood parties, and a bowling league with 96 teams.
Gerry's zest for life and his love for family were evident to all who knew him. A Hartford Whalers season ticket holder for many years, he was also a loyal Patriots fan and an enthusiastic supporter of his grandchildren's activities, often seen cheering at hockey, football, and lacrosse games. He enjoyed playing cards and games like Sequence, delighting in the fun (and occasional mischief) they brought. Summers at Lake Wallace were especially joyful, where Gerry welcomed his family with a warm "Bon Matin" each morning and spent time on his pontoon boat, often with a grandchild on his lap at the helm.
Gerry's legacy is one of love, laughter, and dedication to family. His unwavering passion for life and ability to bring people together will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all who knew him.
Relatives and friends may gather with his family on Thursday, January 23, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Friday, January 24, 2025, 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Browne Memorial Chapels, Enfield. Funeral services will take place on Friday, January 24, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Family (St. Jeanne Jugan Parish) Enfield. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to The American Heart Association or Lupus Foundation.