WORCESTER - In a life filled with warmth, laughter, and quiet wonder, Fr. Gerard touched the hearts of all who knew him. He saw beauty in the smallest moments, joy in simple pleasures, and love in every connection. He died on Saturday, October 25, 2025 in Notre Dame Health Care Center.
Fr. Gerard was born on April 14, 1932 in Willimantic, CT, a son of Arthur and Blanche (Peloquin) Messier and later moved with his family to Worcester, MA. Even as a child, Gerard felt drawn to the priesthood, served at the altar, and was later singled out to attend Assumption Prep School. He continued his studies at Assumption College and made his first vows as an Assumptionist on September 8, 1952 in Quebec, Canada. After further study, he went to France to complete his preparation for the priesthood at the Assumptionist Seminary at the Chateau de Lormoy outside Paris. He was ordained as a priest in France on March 22, 1958. His mother, a widow, Blanche Messier, sailed to France on the Queen Mary to attend his ordination, one of the proudest moments of her life.
From 1959 to 1970, Fr. Gerard was a full-time teacher of French at Assumption Prep, surveilling dormitories and doing weekend ministry at local parishes. He was always guided and inspired by the words of Fr. Emmanuel D’Alzon, founder of the Assumptionists: “Until Christ is formed in those we serve.” Receiving his M.A. in French from Middlebury College, VT, Fr. Gerard continued to teach French, now at Assumption College, where he passionately disseminated his love for French poetry. His enthusiasm for the arts extended to drama and throughout his teaching career, he threw his energy into directing plays, from Shakespeare to Claudel and Becket. Many of his former students say that their participation in these plays was a memorable experience for them.
In 1990, Fr. Gerard moved to New York city, serving as chaplain in various hospitals and nursing homes, and also assisting first at Saint Vincent de Paul parish and later at Holy Family parish. The parishioners remember him as a good homilist and an avid bicycle rider.
In 2019 he retired and moved back to the Worcester area, living at his sister’s home, surrounded by extended family. He continued to be visited by many former colleagues and students, including international visitors, who shared his love of Mozart, poetry, opera, the ocean, wine, Thoreau. A lover of quiet walks, Fr. Gerard especially treasured his visits to Walden Pond with friends. He also found deep meaning in visits to St. Joseph’s Abbey in Spencer and Mepkin Abbey in South Carolina — places of reflection and tranquility that spoke to his contemplative nature.
Fr. Gerard deeply cherished visits from his extended family, especially the little children, whose laughter filled the room and whose visits always ended in warm embraces. While living in Paxton for the past seven years, he continued to delight in these moments. He was known to say, “It’s all in the hug” — a simple truth that perfectly reflected his gentle heart and the love he shared so freely.
On Fr. Gerard’s 88th birthday, his thoughtful nieces and nephews surprised him with an e-bike, allowing him to continue enjoying his beloved rides in the open air. True to form, he embraced the gift with childlike joy and rode through the countryside until the age of 90 — a testament to his enduring spirit and love of life.
Fr. Gerard loved and appreciated all animals seeing in them what he called “pure perfection.” Their honesty, innocence, and simple presence brought him endless joy and peace throughout his life. He also spent much time around the dahlia gardens daily admiring their abundance and beauty.
Fr. Gerard’s life was a beautiful reflection of curiosity, compassion, and grace. In heart, he remained a faithful Assumptionist, a man of deep, unshakable, and sustaining faith. He was truly a man of God, meeting each day with gratitude and an open heart. He found joy in simple moments and connection in every encounter. Those who knew him will remember his gentle humor, his thoughtful presence, and the quiet strength of his spirit — a legacy of love and faith that will continue to touch all who were fortunate enough to know him.
May the warmth of his hugs, the kindness of his heart, and the light of his faith continue to inspire all who were blessed to know Fr. Gerard.
Survived by sister MaryAnn Paquette; brother Francis and his wife Evelyn; brother John Roland and his wife Anne. Predeceased by brother Rene and his wife Frances; sister Priscilla Blanchette and her husband Gerald; brother Ronald and his wife Pauline; brother Donald; brother-in-law Dr. Charles Paquette. Many nieces and nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews.
His funeral will be held on Thursday, October 30, at 10:00 AM in the Chapel of the Holy Spirit, 500 Salisbury Street, with the Very Reverend Chi Ai Nguyen, A.A., Provincial Superior of the North American Province as the main celebrant. Burial will be in Saint Anne’s Cemetery, Fiskdale. Visitation will be held from 9:00 to 10:00 AM Thursday in the church before the Mass. Donations in his name may be made to the Assumptionist Vocation Fund, 330 Market Street, Brighton, MA 02135-2100. Arrangements are under the direction of Sitkowski, Malboeuf & Hickey Funeral Home, 340 School Street, Webster.