Gerard A. Blais Obituary (1926

CHELMSFORD- Gerard A. Blais, 84, of Moultonborough, NH, and former longtime resident of Chelmsford, passed away on March 2, 2011. He was the beloved husband of Elina M. (Floridia) Blais, to whom he was married for 52 years prior to her death in 2008. He was born on December 3, 1926 in Laconia, NH, a son of the late William and Meleda (Lemay) Blais. Gerard grew up in Laconia, NH. After completing High School, he entered the United States Navy, serving from 1944-1946 during World War II. He received the World War II Victory Medal, the American Area Medal, and the Asiatic Pacific Area Medal. He attended Valparaiso University and received his degree in Electrical Engineering in 1962 from Lowell Technological Institute (now UMASS Lowell). Gerard was employed as an Electronics Engineer for Raytheon Corp. in Bedford, MA and Lowell, MA, the former Sanders Associates in Nashua, NH, AS & E in Brighton, MA, and Honeywell in Bedford, MA. In 1992, Gerard retired and he and Elina moved to Moultonboro, NH. It brought him great pleasure to have built this home on Lake Winnipesaukee himself and he took great pride in spending time there with his family. They enjoyed wintering in Hilton Head, SC until 2008. Gerard enjoyed sailing, skiing, hockey (the Boston Bruins), playing tennis and golf, doing crossword puzzles, and biking. His greatest joy was spending time with family and friends, especially his grandchildren. Mr. Blais is survived by his children; Michele (Blais) Collins and her companion Frederick Clark of Chelmsford, MA, Gregory Blais and his wife Carol (McGurk) of New Ipswich, NH, and David Blais of Chelmsford, and eight grandchildren; Justin and Jeffrey Collins, Benjamin, Christopher, Lisa, Daniel, Nathan and Claire Blais. He is further survived by his sisters; Rita Marchand, and Cecile "Sue" Cameron and her husband Robert; and sisters-in-law Theresa Pirello and Dena Papasadero. He also leaves many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his siblings Jeannette Haddock, Lionel Blais, Viola Monahan, Doris Marquis, Robert Blais, and Roger Blais. Visiting hours will be held on Friday evening from 4 to 8 pm at the BLAKE FUNERAL HOME, 24 Worthen St., Chelmsford. A Funeral Mass will be offered on Saturday at 9 o'clock at St. Mary's Church, Chelmsford.