Gerald L Draleau

Gerald L. Draleau, 86, of 47 Acadia Road, Gardner, where he had lived since 1973, made his journey to be with his heavenly Father peacefully in his sleep on Friday, January 4, 2019, and was reunited with his wife, Anita L. (Miganowicz) Draleau.

Born in Clinton, MA on June 1, 1932, he was the son of Lawrence and Laura (DeMazure) Draleau who preceded him in his journey.

He was a dedicated servant to his country, giving 23 years to the United States Army, serving in the Korean and Vietnam Wars. He received the National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal 5th Award, Combat Infantry Badge, Army Occupation Medal (Japan), Army Commendation Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Bronze Star Medal and Vietnam Campaign Medal w/60 Device.  After retiring from the military, he worked for Fred’s Auto Body in Gardner, Sisters of the Presentation of Mary School, and owned/operated Gerry and Anita’s Cleaning Service.  

Gerald was first and foremost a devoted servant of God.  He was a family man and loved by so many. When he wasn’t spending time with his family, which was hardly ever, he loved to work on cars, complete projects around the house, go bowling and tend to his vegetable garden.   

He also rejoins his daughters, Candice M. Draleau, Kathy A. Turner and Linda Gilpatrick; and siblings, Evelyn, Johnny, Beverly, Freddy, Charlie, Rosie and his twin Gerri.                         

He leaves his four sons, Gerald L. Draleau Jr. of Winchendon, Richard A. Draleau and his wife Charlene of Harrisville, RI, and twins, Thomas E. Draleau and his wife Lorraine of Gardner, and Timothy J. Draleau and his wife Tracy of Gardner; 4 daughters, Debra S. Martin and her husband Renald, Linda L. Daly and her husband Gordon, Cynthia L. Draleau, Kimberly L. Conlin and her husband Thomas all of Gardner; four siblings, Joe Draleau and his wife Jeanie, Donald Draleau, Rita Sherwood, and Terry Crocker and her husband Ed; eighteen grandchildren, Jessica Coderre, Jennifer Draleau, Shawn Draleau, Charisse Draleau, Richard Draleau Jr., Melissa Mezzapelle, Pierre Martin, Aaron Daly, Cyndi Godin, Kimberly Lowe, Travis Draleau, Seth Draleau, Patrick Conlin, Brendan Conlin, Sean Conlin, Logan Draleau, Shane Draleau, and Hilda Hernkind; fifteen great-grandchildren Isabella, Angelina, Leo, Zion, Mia, Justin, Cheyenne, Annalisa, Ian, Lydia, Camden, Jamison, Axel, Alex and Tyler.

A Memorial Service will be held at the Leominster Church of Christ, 592 West St, Leominster, MA on Saturday, January 12, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. with a reception to follow at the church. Burial will be held at a later date in Greenlawn Cemetery, Baldwinville.

There are no calling hours.  

Memorial contributions can be made to Gander Brook Christian Camp, PO Box 1423 Littleton MA 01460 or www.ganderbrook.org. Please reference in memory of Gerald L. Draleau.

Boucher Funeral Home, Inc., 110 Nichols Street, Gardner is handling the arrangements.