SABATTUS — Gerard L Tancrel, 69, passed away peacefully Wednesday, Feb. 21, with his loving wife by his side.

Jerry was born July 1, 1948, to Louis and Theresa (Godbout) Tancrel in Lewiston. He was educated in Auburn and Sabattus.

He owned and operated his own business, Jerry’s Roofing and Siding, for over 40 years. He met and married the love of his life, Joan (Wood) Tancrel in June 1967. He and Joan raised their two children, Jerry and Jane, in Sabattus on Center Road (Route 9) in a house he built, for over 50 years.

Jerry enjoyed coaching baseball for his son’s team and racing snowmobiles on grass tracks. He was also a founding member of the Sabattus Mountaineers Snowmobile Club. Jerry could always be found on the weekends at Natanis Point Campground, eight miles from the Canadian border, sporting around on his bass boat, listening to Patsy Cline with his grandson, Ryan.

After he finally slowed down a bit, he became a snowbird, enjoying many a warm sunny winter day by the lake with his turtles in Bayonette Point, living life to the fullest and working hard. Jerry was loved by many, and will be surely missed.

In July 16, 2002, Jerry received the gift of life from Larry Abbott, niece, Ann Shnur Abbott’s dear husband, who gave him a much needed kidney with which he lived a more vibrant and healthy life for an additional 16 years. THANK YOU LARRY!!!!!!

Survivors include his wife of over 50 years, Joan (Wood) Tancrel; his daughter, Jane Hinkley and her love, Todd; grandson, Ryan S. Hinkley and wife, Chelsea; great-granddaughter, Alice; sister, Irene Addams, and many great-uncles, aunts, nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his son, Gerard (Tank) Tancrel Jr., his mom, (Theresa) and dad, (Louis) and his father-in-law, Frank Wood and mother-in-law, Iva Wood.

Gerard L. Tancrel