Gerard L. Blais, 98, formerly of Church St., Manville, died Tuesday, April 10, 2012 at The Holiday in Manville where he resided for the past eight years. He was the husband of the late Lauretta (Cournoyer) Blais who died in 1983.
Since birth Mr. Blais remained a lifelong resident of Manville.
Mr. Blais served in the Army during WWII.
Mr. Blais spent his career working in the local textile industry, particularly with the Rochambeau Worsted Company until his retirement in 1978.
A lifelong communicant of St. James Parish, he was also a member of the Golden Agers of Manville.
Gerard enjoyed bingo and used his culinary talent in entertaining family and friends.
Gerard’s family would like to offer their profound gratitude to all the staff of The Holiday who provided him with excellent care for the past several years.
He is survived by a son Normand Blais, and his wife Veronica, of Ft. Pierce, Florida, four daughters Suzanne Lachapelle, and her husband Richard, of Nasonville, Lucille Parent of Pascoag, Irene Mowry, her husband Prescott, of North Smithfield, and Gloria Tyler of Mapleville. He was the brother of Fernand Blais of Manville and the late Paul, Romeo, Richard, Bernard, Maurice and Rene Blais, Laurette Ruel and Florence Letendre. He was the father-in-law of the late Richard Parent and David Tyler. He is also survived by 10 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and several generations of nieces and nephews.
His Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday at 10:00 am in St. James Church, 33 Division St., Manville. Burial with military honors will follow in St. James Cemetery, Manville. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, 931 Jefferson Blvd., Suite 3004, Warwick, RI. 02886.
Arrangements are by the Menard-Lacouture Funeral Home, 71 Central St., Manville.
www.menardfuneralhome.com