LEICESTER: Gerald P. "Jay" Menard 77, of Leicester, died peacefully, on Monday, Oct. 8 at home.
He leaves his wife of 57 years, Barbara M. (Stonequist) Menard, his daughters Sheryl A. Menard of Spencer, and Wendy C. Begonis and her husband Robert of Leicester, a sister Jackie Boyce of Northampton, nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his daughter Michelle Menard in 1966.
Jay was a Quality Assurance Engineer for the former Jamesbury Corp. in Worcester, retiring in 2009. During his 40 years with the company he was able to travel the world and always had a good story to tell when he returned.
Born in Worcester, he was the son of Napoleon and Catherine (Kaminski) Menard, graduated from Worcester Boys Trade and Worcester Junior College before serving in the National Guard.
Jay loved being outdoors and especially enjoyed camping and his yearly trip to Myrtle Beach. He enjoyed dining out and trying new restaurants with Barbara and he would never miss an opportunity to sit down with his beloved son-in-law Bob and have a beer and chat.
Calling hours for Jay will be held on Friday, Oct. 12 from 3 to 5 p.m. in the MORIN FUNERAL HOME, 1131 Main St., Leicester with a prayer service at the conclusion of calling hours at 5. Burial in Notre Dame Cemetery, Worcester will take place at a later date. Because Jay was an animal lover, memorial contributions may be made to Second Chance Animal Services, P.O. Box 136, E.Brookfield, MA 01515.