“Instilled his love of nature in his family”
Gerald J. “Jerry” Desmarais, 83, of Nashua, died Sunday, February 5, 2023 at his home, surrounded by his loving family after a courageous fight against cancer.
Mr. Desmarais was born January 2, 1940 in Nashua, son of the late Leo and Leda (Dean) Desmarais. He was a lifelong resident of Nashua and was raised Catholic.
Jerry was the devoted husband of Nancy J. (Leveille) Desmarais, whom he married on February 27, 1965 and with whom he was about to celebrate their 58th wedding anniversary.
A skilled machinist, Mr. Desmarais worked at WP Evans / Nim-Cor for 43 years before he retired in December of 2004.
Jerry loved spending time with his family in the woods of New Hampshire, teaching them how to track wildlife as well as hunt turkey and deer. For much of his life, he enjoyed the great outdoors of Pittsburg, New Hampshire. He was a member of the National Rifle Association and Watanic Bowmen Archery Club for several decades, and a longtime supporter of the NH Fish and Game. In recent years, Jerry brought his grandsons fishing and shooting, which they loved to do with their Pepere.
Besides his wife, survivors include two daughters, Laurie Sanborn and Diane Paillet; a son-in-law Andy Sanborn; two grandchildren, Christian and Garrison Paillet; a sister, Arline Desmarais; a sister-in-law, Claire Leveille; many close nieces and nephews and several cousins. Other close friends include Jessie Plourde, Eric Paillet, Denise “Teddie” Groves, Jeff and Diana Demmons, and numerous people from the Great North Woods. In addition to his parents, Jerry was predeceased by his brother Bob.
There are no calling hours. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Patrick Church, 29 Spring Street, Nashua, Saturday, February 18th at 10 a.m. Family and friends are invited to attend. Interment will take place at Hollow Cemetery in Pittsburg, NH at a later date. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.farwellfuneralservice.com Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE, 18 Lock Street, Nashua.
