VERO BEACH, Fla. – Gerald L. Lessard, 71, of Vero Beach, Fla., died unexpectedly Saturday, Oct. 25, at the Indian River Medical Center.

He was born Nov. 20, 1936, in Lewiston, and moved to Vero Beach in 1979 from Vernon, Conn.

Prior to his retirement, he was the owner and operator of Southeast Professional Sales Inc. in Vero Beach for 25 years. He served in the U.S. National Guard. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Vero Beach.

Survivors include his wife of seven and a half years, Peggy of Vero Beach; son, Craig Lessard of Niantic, Conn.; daughter, Lori Ann Fettig of Manchester, Conn.; two stepsons, Kyle Eskew and Bradley Eskew, both of Vero Beach; sister, Reina Lessard of West Minot; and six grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his brother, Andre Lessard; and two children, Michael and Bridget.