Gerard L. Chiasson

ROYALSTON - Gerard L. Chiasson, 95 of 8 South Royalston Road, Royalston, died Sunday, September 9, 2012 in the Athol Memorial Hospital, Athol. He was born in Island River, New Brunswick, Canada on Aug. 19, 1917 the son of Leon and Margaret (Chiasson) Chiasson. His Wife Bernice (Crumb) Chiasson predeceased him on Feb. 7, 2008. Gerard attended Athol Schools and enjoyed playing baseball when he wasn’t learning to play the drums. He played the drums in numerous bands and among them are Johnny Newton, Ken Boutelle and was the last survivor of Mal Hall’s Orchestra.  He played often in Vaudeville at the York Theater in Athol as well as weddings, school proms, variety and Minstrel shows.  Until recently, he played with Ethan Stone at various nursing homes and  his passion was his music. Gerard was a member of the Starrett Bowling and Softball Leagues.  He worked for the L.S. Starrett Company for 37 years and was in the Micrometer Division doing Main Lab work.   Gerard was a life member of the local American Legion Post 0102 and a life member of the Athol/Orange Elks Lodge #1837. He was a  3rd degree Knight of Columbus Chapter 1182 in Athol. Both Gerard and Bernice enjoyed Antiquing and traveling and made many trips to Florida and Canada. Corporal Gerard L. Chiasson served in the military with the 3501st AAF Base Unit from 1942 to 1946.  While stationed in Seymour Johnson Air Base in North Carolina, he was  an instructor in the precision tool branch.  He was later transferred to Boca Raton, Florida where he was a Flight Engineer on a RB-24 and was part of the flight crew.  While in Florida he organized the Squadron Orchestra.  Some of the members of his orchestra were Actor/Singer Tony Martin and Pianist/Arranger Benny Paine who went to on play with Billy Daniels. Gerard leaves a Brother Claude J. Chiasson of Athol and a Sister Geralda (Chiasson) Frenette Duda of Athol.  He was predeceased by a Sister Ida (Chiasson) Lozier.  He leaves Nephews Gerard Lozier and his Wife Linda of Athol, Caregiver Leon Lozier and his Wife Loretta of Athol, Paul Frenette and his Wife Joan of Windsor Connecticut, Richard Lozier and his Wife Donna of Athol, Glenn Frenette of Athol, Thomas Lozier and his Wife Shari of Athol and a Niece Anne Lozier and her Partner Scott Songer of Orange and several Great Nieces and Nephews. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, September 12, 2012 at 10:30 am in  Our Lady Immaculate Church, 192 School St., Athol.  Burial with military honors will follow in Lawrence Brook Cemetery, Royalston. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made in his memory to American Cancer Society's, New England Division Office, 30 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701. For more information or to sign our online guest book please visit www.fiskemurphymack.com. Fiske-Murphy & Mack Funeral Home 110 New Athol Road, Orange is directing arrangements. $(document).ready(function(){ });