Gerard Leo Frappier

Gerard "Jerry" Frappier passed away suddenly but peacefully the morning of May 20th,2025 at his home in Leland, NC
Jerry was born August 28th,1947 in Woonsocket, Rhode Island to Theresa and Gerard Frappier. He lived a full life, having once stated that he had completed most of his bucket list. Jerry was a pilot who owned and operated three planes, a scuba diving instructor, and owned his own successful telecommunication business, Telstar. Retiring at 52, he began a second career volunteering for the American Red Cross in both Disaster Technology and Service to the Armed Forces. Jerry deployed across the country over 50 times with the Red Cross, providing humanitarian comfort and relief to victims of hurricanes, tornados and many other disaster operations. He notably served over nine months with Hurricane Katrina Relief efforts, the Moore City tornados and earthquake relief efforts in Haiti. Jerry also volunteered with his Catholic Church in Peru for nine months, where he was able to assist Franciscan Fathers Bill and Thomas in establishing a village to provide housing to more than a thousand children who had become orphaned by the terrorist group Shining Path. Jerry's service to the military and veteran communities impacted tens of thousands of families who faced emergency situations. His life reflected selfless service and compassion for others. He never wanted to be the center of attention, but his work was central to alleviating human suffering around the world. Jerry's greatest love was for his wife, Diane, whom he supported in all things. He was especially dedicated and supportive of Diane's volunteer work with the American Red Cross, serving military families. Jerry was a proud veteran of the U.S. Air Force, an experience that laid the foundation for a lifetime of service.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Theresa and Gerard Frappier and his brother, Donald Frappier, all of Woonsocket, RI, as well as his son, David, who passed away while serving in the U.S. Air Force. Jerry is survived by his brother Robert Frappier and wife, Larissa, of Peach Tree, Georgia; his wife, Diane Frappier of Leland, NC and their children: Jennifer Lynn Frappier and her children Piper, Jay and Jaxon, Christina Danielle Whitley and husband, Ronald, along with their children: Aaron Cooke, Markeece Whitley and Ariyanna Whitley all of Leland, NC, Kimberly Ev Cooke and Travis Kathman and their daughter, Katrina Beckman and her son, Odin Tenace, all of Oneonta, NY, Matthew Dennison Cooke of Leland, NC and his son, Zachery Cooke, of Fort Irwin, CA and Tucker Cooke of Marlow, OK. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. Jerry's memory will be cherished by all.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, May 24th at 3 pm at Wilmington Funeral & Cremation, 525 Village Road, Leland, NC. The Visitation Hour will begin at 2 pm. Interment will be held at a later date. The family will welcome friends and family directly after the service at their home at 7411 Hazelstone Lane, Leland NC.
Services are entrusted to Wilmington Funeral & Cremation – Village Road Chapel. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.wilmingtoncares.com. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gerard, please visit our floral store.