Gerald J. Letendre

Gerald J. Letendre, 83, of Bedford, NH, passed away peacefully on January 27, 2025, surrounded by his family. A man of exceptional intellect, dedication, and warmth, Gerald-known to most as Gerry-leaves behind a legacy of remarkable professional achievement and an enduring devotion to those he loved.

Born to Ulysses and Eva (Boisvert) Letendre, Gerry grew up in Manchester, NH, and graduated from St. Marie High School. His passion for engineering led him to the University of New Hampshire, where he earned his degree in mechanical engineering in 1963, followed by a master's degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 1965. A gifted and forward-thinking engineer, Gerry began his career at Pratt & Whitney Aircraft in East Hartford, CT, before joining a manufacturing company in Milford, NH. In 1973, he fulfilled a dream of owning his own company by acquiring Diamond Casting & Machine Co., Inc., which he led with vision, enthusiasm, and joy for over 50 years.

Throughout his career, Gerry was a respected voice in the manufacturing industry. He served as chairman of the Business & Industry Association of New Hampshire for two terms and as chair of the Small and Medium Manufacturers within the National Association of Manufacturers for two terms. His advocacy and leadership made a lasting impact on the manufacturing community, both in New Hampshire and nationally. Beyond his professional accomplishments, he was deeply committed to supporting the next generation of engineers. He established and funded The Diamond Casting & Machine Company Scholarship Endowment Fund at the University of New Hampshire, which provides tuition support to six students each year pursuing a degree in the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences (CEPS). His generosity will continue to open doors for aspiring engineers, ensuring that innovation and excellence in his field live on.

Beyond his professional success, Gerry's life was defined by his love for family, friends, and the many simple joys of life. In 2014, he received a stem cell transplant from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, a gift that allowed him ten more cherished years of adventures, gardening, boating, and precious moments with loved ones.

Gerry's summers were often spent aboard his beloved boat, Diamond Days, cruising the waters to Florida and the Bahamas, where he made lifelong memories with family and friends. He delighted in organizing water toys and treasure hunts for his grandchildren Nicholas, Garnet, and Violet, creating magical days of kayaking, paddle-boarding, beach-combing, and crab catching.

An avid gardener, Gerry took pride in planting a vegetable garden each year and canning quarts of tomatoes alongside his wife, Evelyn. His home was a haven for wildlife, and he found joy watching the turkeys and deer that roamed his yard daily.

Gerry was the cornerstone of a loving family. He is survived by his devoted wife of 62 years, Evelyn S. (Poirier) Letendre; his children, Gerald Jr. and wife Dafney Phua of New Castle, NH, Jon Letendre of Denver, CO, and Christine Collins of Portsmouth, NH; and his cherished grandchildren, Cielle, Phoebe, Garnet, Violet, and Nicholas. He also leaves behind his brother Richard Letendre and Pauline Lamy, his sister Francine Demers and husband Michel Demers, his daughter-in-law Ellen Letendre, his "other daughter" Kim Pope and husband Kerry Pope, and many beloved nieces, nephews, and friends.

Gerry's warmth, humor, and generosity touched the lives of all who knew him. He will be remembered as an exceptional engineer, a loving husband, father, and grandfather, and a man whose heart was as big as his accomplishments. He leaves behind a legacy of love, adventure, and inspiration that will be carried on by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, February 22, with a Memorial Gathering from 1:00-3:00 followed by a Memorial Service at 3:00 all at Phaneuf Funeral Homes & Crematorium, 243 Hanover St, Manchester, NH.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Diamond Casting & Machine Company Scholarship Endowment Fund at the University of New Hampshire. To donate to the scholarship fund, gifts may be made online at https://www.givecampus.com/campaigns/34914/donations/new?&designation=DiamondCastingMachineCompanyScholarshipFund

Or by mail to:

UNH Foundation

Attn: Gift Processing

15 Strafford Ave.

Durham, NH 03824

Please indicate that your gift is to be directed to The Diamond Casting & Machine Company Scholarship Endowment Fund.

To view Gerry's online tribute, send condolences to his family, or for more information, visit https://phaneuf.net