Gerard R. Morin, Sr.

BIDDEFORD

Gerard R. Morin, Sr., 84, of Biddeford, Maine, passed away Saturday, January 15, at his home.

Gerard (Jerry) was born at his family home in Biddeford on September 6, 1937, a son of Adelbert Morin, Sr. and Isabelle (Goudreau) Morin.

Eager to see the world and serve our country, at 17 years of age, Jerry joined the United States Army in 1954. He served oversees in Italy, Germany and Austria. Just prior to his deployment he met the love of his life, Rita (Bolduc) Morin.  Throughout Jerry's duty the courtship between Jerry and Rita blossomed with love letters.  Upon his return to the United States, they were engaged and were married on October 26, 1957 at Saint Joseph's Church.

Jerry and Rita shared 64 years of marriage.  Jerry was a magnificent care-giver for his wife up until her death just three months ago.  His priority was to care for her with dignity, respect and love.

Jerry was the center of the Morin household. His charm, laughter and love was known by all.  Jerry prided himself with a wall of photographs of all his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, all placed in order of their birth.

He enjoyed watching football, baseball and looked forward to Football Sundays.  He enjoyed cribbage with his son, Glenn, and so enjoyed and sharing his tracking of his cribbage wins.  He had a way with competition and simply loved card games – and, winning.

Jerry and Rita enjoyed traveling together to Europe, the Caribbean Islands, Hawaii, and across America.

Jerry was a man of amazing work ethic and instilled that value in his children.  He sometimes held two jobs to support his family.  He worked for over 30 years for Country Kitchen Bakery as a bread delivery driver.  Many times, to get a head start on his route, he would begin in the very early hours of the morning. He enjoyed his customers and made many friends along his route.  After retiring, he worked part-time at Hannaford in the Seafood Department.  His easy smile with his customers once again brought new friends in his life.

He was predeceased by his wife Rita D. Morin on October 18, 2021 and by one brother Richard Morin.

Jerry is survived by his five children, Deborah Leavitt (and her husband Ron), Brenda Gobeil (and her husband Mike), Gail Allaire (and her husband Norm), Glenn Morin, and Gerard Morin Jr. (and his wife Lisa); by his siblings – Jean Paul Morin (and his wife Dolores), Adelbert Morin, Jr. (and his wife Priscilla), and sister-in-law Candance Morin.  Grandchildren - Jill (Labelle) Gagne, Charity (Labelle) Pelletier, Chris Leavitt, Rhonda Leavitt, Chris Gobeil, Dana Gobeil, Amy (Allaire) Blais, Andrew Allaire, and Sydney Morin. He also leaves behind eleven great-grandchildren: Saige Gagne, Cole Gagne, Kalvin Camire, Chase Strout, Charlie Leavitt, Cooper Leavitt, Deliah Gobeil, Lydia Gobeil, Tyler Blais, Cameron Blais, and Addison Allaire.  He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and wonderful neighbors Norm and Sue Boislard.

In lieu of flowers, gifts in Jerry's memory are appreciated to:

• Center for Grieving Children (555 Forest Avenue, Portland, 04101)
• Maine Veteran's Home ( 290 Us Route 1, Scarborough, ME 04074 )

A Graveside Service with Military Honors will be at 12:00PM Thursday, January 20, 2022, at St. Joseph's Cemetery in Biddeford. To view Gerard's memorial page or leave an online condolence, please visit www.cotefuneralhome.com