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Gerard Rousseau Obituary

Waterford - Gerard Henry Rousseau, 79, of Quaker Hill, passed away June 28, 2006, at Lawrence & Memorial Hospital.

He was born June 6, 1927, in Baltic, the son of the late Henry and Palmera (Deslands) Rousseau.

He married Marjorie (Rice) Rousseau on July 2, 1955.

Gerard served 18 months in the U.S. Navy after graduating high school before pursuing his further education. He earned his bachelor of science degree in education from the Willimantic State Teachers College, followed by a master's degree from UCONN and a 6th year and CAS from Wesleyan University.

Gerry taught one year in Ledyard before moving to the Waterford school system, where he worked until his retirement in 1995 after 44 years of teaching, most of which were at Waterford High School where he taught earth science and physics.

Gerry was Waterford's first baseball coach beginning in 1959 and ending 1994. Coach Rousseau lead the Lancers to a 510 win-212 loss record with five state championships, three runner-ups, and 16 ECC Championships. Coach Rousseau's numerous awards include New England Region Coach of the Year in '81 and '85, National High School Baseball Coach of the Year in '85, induction to the Connecticut Coaches Hall of Fame in '87, Norwich Sports Hall of Fame in '91, Waterford Athletic Hall of Fame in '02, and he also received a Lifetime Achievement Award for his contribution to Eastern Connecticut baseball.

In addition to his wife of 50 years, he is survived by his sons, Peter Rousseau and wife, Helen, of Uncasville, Charles Rousseau and wife, Barbara, of Mystic, and Alex Rousseau and wife, Susan, of Ledyard; his daughter, Amy Armstrong and husband, Jim, of Montville; his sisters, Jeanette Duff, Harriet LaPriore, Carol Olson, and June Rousseau; eight grandchildren, Holly, Corol, Zachary, Catherine, Isabelle and Connor Rousseau and Jessica and James Armstrong; great-grandchildren, Persephone Tierney and Joshua Blondeau; and by his mother-in-law, Ethel Rice.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Estelle Falcone.

Calling hours will be from 3 to 8 p.m. on Sunday at the Montville Funeral Home of Church and Allen, Rte 32, Montville. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday, July 3, 2006 at St. John's Church in Uncasville. There will be no procession from the funeral home. Burial and procession will follow to St. Mary's Cemetery in Baltic.

In lieu of' flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Gerard Rousseau Scholarship Fund, c/o Waterford High School, 20 Rope Ferry Road, Waterford CT 06385.

The Montville Funeral Home of Church and Allen, Rte 32, Montville is entrusted with arrangements.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Day from Jun. 30 to Jul. 1, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for Gerard Rousseau

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Ronald Rasi

July 7, 2006

Chuck

My belated condolences to you and your family on the loss of your dad. From what I have read, he was a remarkable and wonderful person.

God Bless.

Russ Mower

July 3, 2006

Mr. Rousseau instilled in me a love of physics and astronomy when I was a student of his 40 years ago. I remember going over to his house in the evening to look at the stars through the telescope which he had set up on his picnic table, back when teachers could do those sort of things. He was a wonderful teacher and an inspiration to his many students. My condolences to his family.

mark mcdermott

July 2, 2006

Mrs. Rousseau and family: It was nearly 50 years ago when you moved into your home on Red Cedar Ave., and shortly thereafter, Mr. Rousseau took it upon himself to treat the boys in the neighborhood to a day of golf in Lisbon on a regular basis. The pateience he had with us all in the old Chevy wagon..., and the impact on a rough bunch in the throes of trying to grown up.....Thanks for all he did for everyone!

Christine (Coon) Miller

July 2, 2006

I am deeply saddened to hear of the loss of my physics teacher, Mr. Rousseau. His dedication to the teaching profession inspired me to become a teacher as well. Please know that my thoughts and prayers and with the Rousseau family during this time.

Jim Aberdeen

July 1, 2006

Mr Rousseau was a delight to know and a true source of inspiration to everyone that knew him.

Linda Dobbert

July 1, 2006

Chuck and Barbara, I am sorry for your loss. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Ceil & Dick Lindquist (Desnoyers)

July 1, 2006

It has been many years since we have seen each other but I always remember the good times we had growing up. Dick and I extend our deepest sympathies to you and your family. May God bless you and may Gerard rest in peace with our Lord.

Janice (Beebe) England

July 1, 2006

Fond memories flood my mind when remembering Mr. Rousseau and our first graduating class at Waterford High. He was an active member of our high school community and a dedicated teacher. Thank you.

Sal Savona

July 1, 2006

It's been over 43 years since I was taught by Mr.Rousseau and the lessons learned then still live within me. My condolences to his family and he will live on in our prayers.

Rit & Eve Manthous

June 30, 2006

Gerry was a wonderful man who beneficially influenced the lives of many young baseball players. His loss will be recognized by an untold legion of men. May his memory be eternal.

Sandi LaPierre Jameson

June 30, 2006

To the Rousseau family,

We are quite sad to hear of the loss of such a wonderful person. He was a friend, teacher and amazing role model. There are few people you meet in your life that leave such a lasting impression. You'll be missed tremendously, Love, Sandi

Bruce and Lee Angeloszek

June 30, 2006

We are deeply sorry for your great loss. Bruce holds a high regard for all Mr. Rousseau has done. May he rest in light, peace, and happiness.

Karen West

June 30, 2006

It has been over 40 years since I was taught by Mr. Rousseau, but I will always remember him as a great teacher. He will live forever in the hearts of his students.

Paat Gualandi

June 30, 2006

Barb, So sorry to hear of the passing of your father in law. Please accept my deepest sympathy. Pat Gualandi

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