Jerald R. Nadeau

BETHEL — Jerald R. Nadeau, 67, of Bethel and Titusville, Fla., passed away unexpectedly on Friday, May 11, at his residence in Bethel.

He was born on Sept. 2, 1950 to Alcide Nadeau and Jacqueline (Cox) Nadeau. He was lovingly raised by his mother in Bangor and graduated from John Bapst Regional High School in 1969. Jerry enlisted in the Army in 1971 and served as an intel analyst during the Vietnam War. He earned commission in 1978 and retired with the rank of captain being humbly awarded the NDSM, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal with three stars, the Army Commendation Medal (2), and the Joint Services Commendation Medal.

Upon return from Vietnam, he attended the University of Maine at Fort Kent, where he graduated with a bachelor of science degree. While there, he met Rose Marie (Rosie) Sinclair. They married on Aug. 21, 1975, and raised their three girls, Dawn, Holli and Amber.

Fort Kent and its townspeople held a significant place in Jerry’s heart as he spent most of his life and career there. A highlight of this time was when he had the opportunity to serve as chief of range at the Tenth Mountain Division Ski Lodge and attend the 2002 Olympics in Salt Lake City as a judge for the biathlon events.

Jerry taught social studies from 1978-1979 at FKCHS. He served as the director of admissions at UMFK from 1982-2005, and then as associate director of admissions from 2005 until he retired in 2011.

He settled in southern Maine to be closer to his girls and grandchildren whom he adored immensely. During his years there, he became very active in several service organizations — the American Legion and American Legion Riders, Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association, Veterans of Foreign Wars DAV, the Masonic Lodge of Bridgton, and the Fraternal Order of the Eagles. His military brothers and sisters meant so much to him and they have been a great help in honoring his life.

Jerry enjoyed anything and everything that involved his girls, their families, and riding his motorcycle with his friends. He was very fortunate to have met his significant other, Jeri Greenwell, and spent some of the happiest years of his life with her, going on numerous adventures together, the last of those being the purchase of their “Snowbird” home in Titusville, Fla. this past winter.

In addition to his parents, Jerry was predeceased by his brothers, Leo and James Nadeau, and his very special uncle and father figure, J. George Cox.

He is survived by his former wife, Rose Marie (Sinclair) Nadeau of Fort Kent; and his daughters, Dawn Marie (Nadeau) Parenteau and her husband, Michael, of Gorham, Holli (Nadeau) Wyman and her significant other, Brandon Lessard, of Oxford, and Amber (Nadeau) Stedt and her husband, Kelly, of Stockholm. “Papa” is also survived by his precious grandchildren, Samuel and Jacqueline Parenteau, Carter and Jillian Wyman, and Amos and Winslow Stedt. Jerry was the much-adored little brother of his surviving sister, Mary Lou Hallee and her husband, Richard, of Norway and honorary brother to his special cousins, Sarah and Cathy Cox of Bangor. He is survived by his best friend and love, Jeri Greenwell and their dog, Pascha. Jerry will be remembered as the beloved adviser, mentor, sounding board, and “mon oncle” for numerous nieces, nephews, students and friends who felt like family.

Condolences and tributes may be shared with Jerry’s family at www.chandlerfunerals.com.