SALEM- Gerard J. Rocheleau, 84, husband of Sarah A. “Sally” (Lipsett) Rocheleau, of Salem, died Sunday morning, April 13, 2003,in the Salem Hospital, following a short illness.
Born in Lynn, he was the son of the late Eugene J. and Alma (Mailloux) Rocheleau and was a resident of Salem since 1949.
A popular entertainer, during the 1930's and early 1940's, Mr Rocheleau, performed under the stage name of Lucky Dawson. He played guitar and was the lead singer of the group, Curley Lawrence and His Prairie Pals. The group had a daily radio show on WHDH in Boston, was also heard on local stations WMEX, and WESX, and had a weekly show on radio station WHEB in Durham, New Hampshire. He made guest appearances with other groups and played at such places as the Indian Ranch and the Lone Star Ranch.
An army Air Force veteran of WWII, he served with the 2113rd AAF Base Unit, and attained the rank of Sergeant.
Prior to his retirement in 1982, he worked for the Boston Machine Works Co. in Lynn for over 30 years, starting as an assembler and quickly became a sales and service representative. In his retirement years, he worked for several years as a groundskeeper at Bill Flynn’s Lakeview Golf Course in Wenham.
Besides his wife, with whom he shared 56 years of marriage, he is survived by one son, Charles P. Rocheleau of Saugus, who, as an entertainer, goes by the stage name of Charlie Dawson, two sisters, Florence M. Rocheleau and M. Lauretta Rocheleau, both of Peabody and several nieces an nephews. He was the brother of the late Raymond J. Rocheleau, Edmund J. Rocheleau, Leo J. Rocheleau and Ernest J. Rocheleau.
His funeral service will be held Wednesday, April 16, 2003, at 8 am from the Full-Spychalski Funeral Home, 84 Washington Square East, by Salem Common, Salem, followed by a funeral Mass at 9 am at St Joseph’s Church, 135 Lafayette St., Salem. Relatives and friends respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours are Tuesday, 4 to 8 pm. Burial is in Greenlawn Cemetery, Salem. For those who desire, donations may be made in his memory to the charity of one’s choice. For guestbook & directions, visit www.SalemFuneral.com.