Gerard R. "Gerry" Chartier

Sergeant Gerard R. Chartier (Gerry), 89, passed peacefully at home with his family on November 5, 2025.

Gerry was born to Dr. Gerard M. Chartier and Rubia L. Chartier. The oldest of twelve siblings, Gerry grew up in Danielson CT, speaking French before he spoke English. He attended Catholic school as an elementary student, later graduated from Assumption Preparatory School, and studied at Central Connecticut State College. A rambunctious child, he was dis-invited by his piano teacher to continue lessons (much to his relief) but was a talented athlete and sportsman. He loved hockey and auto racing and excelled at football.

When Gerry turned 18, he visited a military recruiting office intending to join the Marine Corps to fulfill his mandatory military obligation but was drawn instead to the Coast Guard (USCG). Upon enlistment, he embarked on a grand 4-year adventure. From the home port of Boston, he served aboard the station-keeping vessel Castle Rock and the icebreaker Eastwind. With the USCG, he saw much of the world: the Arctic Circle, Greenland, New Zealand, Australia, eastern and western Africa, and Antarctica. He traveled the Panama Canal, Suez Canal, and across the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

After concluding his military service, Gerry followed his life-long passion and embarked on a 30-year career with the Connecticut State Police where he served with distinction. He became a stalwart protector of the people of Eastern CT, maturing from a high-spirited rookie to a seasoned sergeant. He received commendations for bravery and was involved in many high-profile investigations with the Eastern CT Major Crime Unit. His most renowned case was the investigation and apprehension of CT's last serial killer. He also had a special disaffinity for motorcycles with loud after-market exhaust pipes.

Gerry married Marie Coutu of Putnam. The couple lived in Sterling CT and later built a home in Dayville. They had three children, Elizabeth, Sarah, and Gerard P. Tragically, Sarah was lost to childhood leukemia. Gerry and Marie divorced after 25 years of marriage.

Gerry and his second wife, Dawn Marquette, settled in Woodstock CT. They enjoyed traveling across the U.S. in their RV, rescued many dogs and cats, and were active members of the community until Dawn's passing in 2018.

Gerry did the NYT crossword puzzle in ink and loved playing cribbage. He was a loyal brother and friend, a great cook, a ferocious competitor, a terrible singer, a relentless acquirer of gadgets, a talented woodworker, and a big softy with kids and animals. He was predeceased by his daughter Sarah Elaine, his first wife, Marie C. Chartier; his second wife, Dawn M. Chartier; his siblings David, Pierre, Ann-Marie, and Joseph.

He is survived by his daughter, Elizabeth; son, Gerard P.; stepson, Andrew Marquette, his wife, Pamela, step-grandchildren, Madison, Nathan, and Andrew; and siblings, Robert, Marc, Normand, Michele, Celeste, Louis, A. Nicolas; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews. Gerry had just begun his 90th trip around the sun. He will be deeply missed by those who loved him.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Gerry's family from 11:00 am to 1:30 pm on Tuesday, November 25 at the Gilman Funeral Home and Crematory, 104 Church Street, Putnam, CT 06260. A service will take place in the funeral home at 1:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Friends of Assisi Food Pantry in Danielson, CT or the Northeast Animal Shelter in Salem, MA. https://www.mspca.org/adoption-centers/northeast-animal-shelter/.