Gerard Houle

1931 - 2025

Gerard (Jerry) Houle

Easthampton, MA - Gerard (Jerry) R Houle, 93 of Easthampton, passed away on March 31.

Jerry was born on December 1,1931 in Holyoke, to the late Alfred and Jeannette (Loiselle) Houle. Jerry spent his early years in Chicopee. The family planned a move to Canada to purchase a family farm…however, negotiations stalled when the seller refused to "throw in an extra cow". As a result, they cancelled the deal and moved to Easthampton where they purchased a farm on Park Street. Jerry often joked that one cow kept him in the country he loves.

Jerry's childhood included working on the Farm and playing basketball with his neighbors.

At the age of 19, Jerry enlisted in the U.S. Marines. A Korean War veteran, He proudly served our country in Korea as Anti-Aircraft Machine Gun Crewman and achieved the rank of Sergeant. Upon his Honorable Discharge, he returned home to the delight of his parents and siblings. Jerry's mother wrote to him weekly while deployed and his siblings recall that the house became a happier home once their big brother safely returned home.

Jerry was predeceased by his beloved wife, Elizabeth (Betty) Houle in September 2024.

Jerry & Betty met at a mutual friend's wedding. Jerry was alone, and Betty was with a sister. Not sure which one to ask out, Jerry chose Betty. They married on April 27,1957 and raised 3 children. Prior to retirement, Jerry was employed by Uniroyal in Chicopee. Upon facility closure and with their children grown, they relocated to Mishawaka, IN, for 3 years so that Jerry could finish his service with Uniroyal. Although eager to return home, they enjoyed their time together exploring, going on road trips, and just being together.

Jerry was a huge sports fan- especially the Red Sox & Celtics. His passion was passed onto his children with weekend overnight trips to Fenway Park and family Spring Training vacations in Florida which Betty tolerated. He was also looking forward to another Celtics championship this year. For many years Jerry did not miss - home or away- Easthampton High School basketball games. Jerry was also a sanctioned USSSA umpire. He also enjoyed the sport of grocery shopping and finding the best deals. He loved to boast how much money he saved and provided sales flyers to his children and grandchildren.

A dedicated family man of Faith, over the years, Jerry was a very involved member of Trinity Lutheran Church serving as Usher, Bible Reader, singing in the choir and serving on various committees.

As a much loved "Poppa", Jerry played a major role in the lives of his grandchildren and great grandchildren. A pretty good cook, he often invited his great grandson "Big Guy" Ben for spaghetti date nights. Always known as a dapper dresser, perfect host and bartender- Jerry especially loved hanging out in his Gazebo with family.

Jerry leaves his son, David of Agawam. Daughters, Linda Riley of Easthampton and Jill Wage (Jeff) of Mount Dora, Florida. Grandchildren: Timothy (Sue), Elizabeth (Austen) & Rachel together with Great Grandchildren Ben & Kate and several nieces and nephews.

Brothers, Normand (Christine) & Leo (Pat) of Easthampton, Sisters Lorraine (Art) Dugas of Sun City FL & Easthampton, Lucille (Larry) Kostek of Easthampton & Susan (Pete) Snape of New Smyrna,FL & Suffield, CT. He was predeceased by sister, Rita Bouchard

Sisters in law Judith Barszewski and Adele Meade of Easthampton & Alice (Frank)Tokarski of Southampton. Brothers in law Steve (Gina) Baca of Southampton and Martin Baca of New York.

All Services will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church, 2 Clark Street, Easthampton on Saturday, A Calling hour will be April 5 at 10:00 am till the Funeral Service at 11:00am

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jerry's name to Trinity Lutheran Church, 2 Clark Street, or Easthampton Community Center/Food Bank, 12 Clark Street, Easthampton.

The Mitchell Funeral Home www.mitchellcofuneralhome.com