Gerard Pelletier, 95, (the "Candy Man"), died on September 29, 2022, surrounded by family, at a Madawaska health care facility, after a couple unexpected falls. He was born on November 25, 1926, in Clair, New Brunswick, Canada, the third of eight children of the late Emile and Simone (Boulay) Pelletier. He married Yvette Dionne on September 26, 1953. They subsequently moved to Madawaska when he got a job at Fraser Paper, and they raised their family of five children there. They especially enjoyed many happy years after he retired in November 1988, traveling, always with a focus on visiting family living all around the United States. Gerard was a very hard worker and kept busy-he was truly an Energizer Bunny in human form. He was an optimist by nature and rarely let life's inevitable setbacks slow him down for very long. Dad was a parishioner of St. Thomas Aquinas Church where he assisted with Mercy Meals, funeral services and served as a church usher for many years.   He was also a 3rd Degree member of the Knights of Columbus. He really enjoyed spending time with his family, especially playing cards. After a somewhat hesitant move to Ridgewood Estates in July 2014, he quickly settled into a routine and for several years seldom missed the many planned social events held there. The family would again like to thank the staff and residents at Ridgewood for their care and love of dad (and mom). He is survived by five children: Reno (Karen) of Denver, CO; Robert (Linda) of Madawaska; Rinette Redmond of Carolina Shores, NC; Elaine (Donna) of Atlanta, GA; and Carole Gelotti (Richard) of Nashua, NH; seven grandchildren: Linette, Jamie, Kaitlyn, Gabrielle, Tyler, James, and Jon; and four great grandchildren: Harmony, Reagan, Owain, and Theodore. He was predeceased by his wife Yvette in 2019 and by his siblings: Yvonne, Roger, Roland, Aurele, Jeannine, Bernadette, and Rita; a granddaughter and his son-in-law, Lucius Redmond.  A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10am on Tuesday, October 4, 2022, at St. Thomas Aquinas Church. Family and friends may offer their condolences at Lajoie Funeral Home in Madawaska from 6-8pm on Monday and from 9am until 9:45am on Tuesday before the Service.   Interment will take place immediately following the Service at the Parish Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to remember Gerard in a special way may make gifts in his memory to Ridgewood Estates Activities Department, 480 Ridgeview Ave., Madawaska, ME 04756.