Gerald R. Patriquin

Gerald Patriquin, 89, fondly known as "Pat" to his friends and family, passed away on December 6, 2024 alongside his beloved wife of 41 years, Margaret Patriquin. Gerald was Born in Gardner, MA on November 15, 1935. Gerald lived a full and vibrant life. A dedicated and loyal man, his life was marked by ambition and wit that drew people to him. His boundless love for the outdoors and his family were the defining aspects of his life. As Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.” Gerald embodied these words throughout his life.

Gerald's career started in nursing at the former Gardner State Hospital as a Licensed Practical Nurse from 1957-1977. He later transitioned to truck driving for IML Freight, Framingham, Airco, Ayer and C & M Express, Gardner, a job that gave him the freedom to explore the open road until his retirement. His commitment to service was evident early in his life, after attending Phillipston Memorial School, he then joined the Army Airborne at a young age. He served during the Korean War with the 148th Engr Battalion, B Company receiving an honorable discharge after attaining the rank of Specialist 3rd Class. His dedication to his country was mirrored in his commitment to his local communities as a longtime member of the Gardner Fish and Gun Club and the Royalston Fish and Gun Club.

Gerald found his greatest joy in the great outdoors. In the summer, he could be found at Seboomook Wilderness Campground and out and about in the north Maine woods, paddle in hand, capturing the beauty of the wildlife through his camera lens. Many memorable meals were shared with his family at an old logging camp called Pittston Farm. He spent many seasons at Hedgerow Kennels in Royalston, MA, logging the woods for cord wood or training his beloved dogs. Gerald and his wife Margaret, known affectionately as Peggy, shared a love for the outdoors, often venturing out on his Harley Davidson to enjoy the covered bridges and sights of New Hampshire and Vermont.

Gerald is survived by a sister, Joyce Flood and her husband Fred of Hubbardston. His son, Gerald Patriquin Jr. and his wife Lauree of Athol, his daughters Brenda Letourneau of Grants Pass, Oregon, Kathleen Gauthier and husband Michael of Memphis, Tennessee and Jennifer Murdock and her husband Edward of Winchendon. Gerald also leaves behind several Grandchildren, Jason Patriquin and his wife Robyn of Athol. Tyler Patriquin and spouse Allison of Brighton, Katelynne Letendre and husband Jeffrey of Athol, Malissa Pratt and husband Rob of Gardner. Kassaundra and Rylan Gauthier of Memphis,Tennessee, James, Alexander, Ethan, Scott and Caitlyn Murdock of Winchendon. He leaves behind 4 great grandchildren Austin Bean, Lydia Patriquin, Mills Patriquin and Grant Letendre. Nephews Danny Patriquin of Templeton, Jason Flood his wife Christina and their daughter Ava of Ocala, Florida. Gerald was preceded in death by his parents Robert and Beatrice Patriquin, a wife Anne Patriquin (Gauthier)and his brother Donald Patriquin.

Gerald’s life was a testament to the power of dedication, loyalty, ambition, and wit. His spirit will live on in the memories of those who loved him. Gerald’s life was a journey well-travelled, a story well-told, and a life well-lived.

We invite you to share your memories and upload photos to Gerald's memorial page at https://my.gather.app/remember/gerald-patriquin. 

A calling hour will be held on Thursday, December 19, 2024 from 10-11 am. in the funeral home, followed by a graveside service at 11:30 in St. John's Cemetery, West Street, Gardner.

Mack Family Funeral Home - Gardner Chapel, 105 Central St., Gardner.

Directors Kevin J. Mack, Walter C. Taylor, and Dan Serina are honored to assist with arrangements.