Gerard O. "Jerry" Gariepy

Waterford-Gerard O. “Jerry” Gariepy, 81, of Waterford, passed away peacefully Monday afternoon, November 27, 2017 at his residence with his family by his side.

Jerry was born in Cohoes on July 15, 1936 the son of the late Emile and Malvina (Lemire) Gariepy.  He graduated from LaSalle Institute in Troy and attended Hudson Valley Community College and RPI.  Jerry worked at the Watervliet Arsenal for 30 years.  His career began when he graduated from their Machinist Apprentice Training School as Valedictorian of his class.  After his years of employment, he retired as The Superintendent of the Tools Branch in September 1992.

Jerry was then blessed with many years of retirement, pursuing his passion for golf in which he was a very avid player.  His love of the game brought him to many distant shores, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Maine, South Carolina and Oregon.  His friends and, of course, his golf clubs tagged along.

He married the love of his life, Lorette “Lolly” (Joly) Gariepy on February 7, 1959 and they had 58 years together, side by side, enjoying and sharing much of the same interests.   

They often travelled to Oregon to visit their son Richard and his family.  Also, for several years, they went for the month of February to Myrtle Beach where you guessed it, a month of sun and golf.  In the winter months you would find Jerry in his basement enjoying his woodworking.  Beautiful pieces of furniture came out of his talent and he loved to repair anything that needed fixing.  Often you would find Jerry and Lolly enjoying clambakes with family and friends in their backyard. 

He was a member of the former St. Joseph’s Church in Cohoes, a former member of the Watervliet Elks Lodge #1500, the Federal Managers Association and Apprentice Alumni Association.

Jerry had a special love, a love of life, which he lived to the fullest never letting obstacles get in his way.  He was contagious because he infected us with this unique form of love.  However, his courageous battle with cancer was an obstacle, and Jerry fought hard, but the good Lord had other plans for him.    

In addition to his parents, he was also predeceased by his brother Rene Gariepy.

Jerry leaves behind his beloved wife Lolly; his three devoted children, Richard (Bonnie) Gariepy of Halfmoon, Christine (Charles Wagner) Gariepy of Green Island, and Donald (Joanne) Gariepy of Cohoes; a brother Leo (Beverly) Gariepy of Cohoes; four grandchildren, Thomas, Cera, Maxwell and Rosemary Gariepy.  Jerry is also survived by a cousin, Clemence Lessard of Cohoes and many nieces & nephews.

A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10:30 am Saturday, December 2, 2017 at St. Mary of the Assumption Church, 119 Broad St., Waterford.

Relatives and friends may call from 3-6 pm Friday, December 1, 2017 at the Philip J. Brendese Funeral Home, 133 Broad St. (Rte. 32), Waterford.

Interment will be held privately at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Waterford.

Memorial contributions in memory of Jerry may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN  38105, The Community Hospice Foundation, 310 South Manning Blvd., Albany, NY  12208 or the Waterford Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 249, Waterford, New York 12188.

Sadly missed, Jerry is now with the angels and reunited with his Ma, Pa and brother, Rene.

To offer condolences to the family, please visit www.gariepyfuneralhomes.com

Jerry’s funeral arrangements are being handled by his nephew and staff of the McClellan-Gariepy Funeral Home, Inc., Salem, NY.

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