Gerald (Jerry) Paul Grenier

WATERVILLE – Gerald (Jerry) Paul Grenier, 84, passed away on Dec. 30, 2024, with his daughters by his side. Jerry was born on April 4, 1940, in Waterville to Prosper Grenier and Delores (Burgess) Grenier, the 4th oldest of 18 children. He spent 54 years married to the love of his life, Loretta June (Wyman) Grenier. Jerry was the epitome of a family man and loved by all.

A polio survivor at age 2, Jerry was strong and resilient. He spent many childhood summers at Pine Tree Camp in Rome, Maine. Jerry worked at Hathaway Shirt Company for 35+ years until the late 90’s.

In 2005, Jerry and Loretta became “snowbirds”, traveling seasonally between Wassamki Springs Campground in Scarborough, Maine where he was known as the “sheriff of the park”, patrolling around the beach in his golf cart, and Apache Junction, Ariz. where Jerry enjoyed hosting jam sessions, wearing the best cowboy hats affixed with handmade buckles, and playing shuffleboard. Many lasting friendships were formed during those 17 years, especially Rich and Vicki Mellinger.

Jerry had a way of telling vivid stories that often incorporated the number 52. He loved beating people at cribbage, and enjoyed painting and puzzles. Jerry was often surrounded by laughter, as he always had the best jokes and punchlines. He had a very special connection with his daughters and that bond only grew stronger after Loretta passed in 2018. His grandchildren will always remember going on walks with their Pepere (“Pep”), and sitting on his lap trying to figure out if the story he was telling was true or made up. He had the biggest heart and never missed an opportunity to celebrate and support his family’s accomplishments.

He is survived by his daughters, Tina LaPorte and Jon, Karen and wife Maria Grenier-Morrissette; grandchildren Jessica and Aaron Pelotte, Benjamin and Michaela LaPorte, Dayna LaPorte and Troy, Reeve Grenier-DiDonato, and Meya Grenier-DiDonato; great grandchildren Alex, Lilly, Sophia and Audrey; brothers Roland, Daniel and Barbara, Ronald and Cindy, Dale and Diane, Mike and Willie, Donald, Kenny and Ricky; and sisters Shirley, Joann and Paul, Brenda and Jeff; as well as many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his wife Loretta; son Donnie; his parents; and siblings Carmen, Debbie, Sandra, Bernard, Robert and Reggie.

The family would like to thank the Barron Center and Maine Medical Center in Portland for their care. There will be a Celebration of Life on Sunday, April 13 at 1 p.m. at Pine Tree Camp Dining Hall in Rome, Maine.

In lieu of flowers,

donations can be made in Jerry’s memory to:

Pine Tree Camp (Link: Fundraising)

114 Pine Tree Cp

Rome, ME 04943