Gerard (Gerry) F. Vezina

Gerard (Gerry) F. Vezina, of North Brookfield, passed away on February 13, 2022, due to complications from COVID-19. Gerry was born at home on July 5, 1940, in Worcester, son of Lionel and Henriette (Gingras) Vezina.

Gerry is survived by his wife, Roselyn (Huikku) Harrison; daughters, Pamela Vezina Taylor and her partner, Hans Berg; and Laurie Vezina-Desmarais and her husband, Brian; his sister, Constance Valois-Martin and her husband Carl of Ocala, FL; three adored grandchildren, Adam Taylor, Laurel Taylor, and Olivia Harrison; stepchildren, Brian and Katie Harrison; as well as nieces and nephews. He is pre-deceased by his parents and brother, Raymond A. Vezina.

Gerry served in the U.S. Army before joining Wonder Bread as a tractor-trailer driver for 30 years. Following, he worked as a Business Agent for Teamster’s Bakery Local 494 in Quincy and later, Local 170 in Worcester. Gerry retired briefly, realized it wasn’t for him, and started a business with his brother Raymond in Charlton called “The Shed Place”. He and Ray very much enjoyed this endeavor, and both were grateful for the time they spent together. In true family fashion, Rosie was often enlisted to help during busy times. After closing The Shed Place, Gerry was happy to get back in the driver’s seat and drove truck for Polyfoam Corp. in Northbridge, stopping only when diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma in 2015.

Gerry fulfilled a lifelong dream of becoming a pilot after being given lessons for his 40th birthday and he shared his love of aviation with everyone. There was not much that made him happier than flying family and friends to lunch at various airport diners, including Nantucket, his favorite. Gerry was an accomplished pianist who livened up family parties and local events. With his musically inclined mother, sister, and brother, there were always sing-alongs while he tickled the ivories.

Gerry played “the numbers” faithfully, and said if he ever hit big he would donate to St. Jude’s Hospital. If you’re so inclined, ( https://www.stjude.org/donate ) play a number in his honor, and if you win (or more likely don’t), he’d be pleased for any donations to be sent there.

Gerry’s family thanks Dr. Jan Cerny and the entire Bone Marrow Transplant Team at UMass Hospital for the care and friendship they gave to Gerry over the past years.

Gerry was grateful for all the people in his life and celebrated every day. He had an infectious love of life and lived it on his own terms. He will be sorely missed.

Calling Hours will be at the Miles Funeral Home 1158 Main St, Holden, Sunday, February 20th from 12:00-2:00 with a service at 2:00. Immediately following there will be a Celebration of Life at SAC Park, 438 Lake St., Shrewsbury.

Burial will be private.