1942 – 2013

AUBURN — Gerard R. Lajoie Jr., 71, died Saturday, with his family by his bedside, at Clover Manor, where he resided for the past 12 years.

Born in Lewiston March 22, 1942, a son of the late Gerard and Juliette Tardif Lajoie, he was graduated from Holy Cross School, Lewiston High School, and served in the U.S. Air Force from 1960 to 1964. After the Air Force, he entered Wentworth Institute in Boston, Mass., and graduated with an associate degree in engineering.

Gerry worked at Bell Telephone Labs, Holmdel, N.J., and transferred to North Andover, Mass., where he worked until his illness in 1971.

Gerry enjoyed quiz shows, listening to the oldies and books on tape. He loved family get-togethers and will be remembered for his wonderful sense of humor.

He is survived by his daughter, Cynthia Grate and husband, Larry, of Madison, Ala.; his son, Michael and wife, Cori Lajoie, of Coconut Creek, Fla.; and the mother of his children, Pamela Corbett; his sisters, Claudette Hebert of Vero Beach, Fla.; Suzanne and husband, Peter James, of Hampden, Mass.; five granddaughters, Amanda, Sarah, Faith, Bethany and Adrianna Grate and Jillian Lajoie. Gerry also leaves behind six nieces and nephews; his aunts, Lucille Hobbs, Lucille Terrio, Florence Potvin and Teresa Lajoie, all of Lewiston; numerous cousins; and a dear cousin, Claire Bachand and her husband, Everett, of Auburn.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Clover Health and especially the staff from Androscoggin Home Health/Hospice.

Online condolences may be shared at www.thefortingrouplewiston.com.