LEWISTON— Gerard (Jerry) J. Blais Jr., 80, died at St. Mary’s d’Youville Pavilion in Lewiston, on Wednesday, April 8.

He was born in Rumford and graduated from Stephens High School in 1953. He served in the Army during the Korean War. Jerry worked in the Boise Cascade paper mill as a boiler operator in the steam plant. After retirement, he spent his time volunteering at Community Concepts and Central Maine Medical Center.

Jerry was a member of the American Legion and the Elks Club, where he enjoyed many card games with friends. He loved traveling, camping, horseshoes and hosting many pool parties. He also enjoyed watching his grandchildren play basketball, as well as attending state games. In 2010, he traveled on his own to France to explore his heritage.

Jerry was married to the former Ann M. Surette of Rumford for 51 years. Father of five children: son, Steven Blais and wife, Anita Blais of Lewiston; son, David Blais  and wife, Teri Blais, of Indianapolis, Ind.; daughter, Michelle Young and husband, Norman Young III, of Dixfield; daughter, Julie Daniels and husband, Mark Daniels, of Lewiston; and son, Danny Blais and wife, Mary Blais, of Yucaipa, Calif. He has two brothers, Roland Blais of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, and Norman Blais of Rumford; and one sister, Mary Dube of Leeds; 10 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his father and mother Gerard and Lena (Paquette) Blais; his son, Steven Blais; and grandson, Brandon Young.

Jerry will be remembered as a kind and generous man and will be missed by many. 

The family would like to thank Ledgeview Living Center Residential Care for their wonderful, caring and supportive staff, as well as the Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice staff.