SOUTH PARIS — Gerald “Jerry” A. Tardif, 75, of Mechanic Falls passed away Tuesday, Oct. 4, at Market Square Health Care Center after a lengthy illness with his loving family by his side.

He was born in Gloucester, Mass., Sept. 13, 1936, to George and Marie P. (Deschene) Tardif. He attended Lewiston schools and received his GED diploma.

He was a printer all of his life. He worked 27 years for Hood’s Mailing and Printing, when they closed he went to work for First Choice Printing in Lisbon Falls with more than 50 years in printing when he retired.

On June 23, 1962, he married the former Gloria Morse in Dixfield. Together for almost 50 years, they raised four children, three of them in New Haven, Conn., where they lived for about 5 years. Moving back to Maine, their last daughter was born in Maine.

Jerry was a very hard working man, always working on his vehicles and keeping the lawn looking nice. He loved hiking, camping with his children and grandchildren. He loved taking his children climbing to Mt. Washington numerous times and doing the Allagash Waterways.

He was a 35-year member of Tyrian Lodge, 79 AM & FM in Mechanic Falls, SAL member of the American Legion Post 150, Dwinal Chapter 28, 0ES, a former member of First Congregational Church of Mechanic Falls, worked with Cub Scouts, the Boy Scouts of America, and worked on the town Recreation Committee.

He is survived by his wife, Gloria; three daughters, Kathy Tardif of Lewiston, Rena Castonguay and husband, Marc, of Hebron and Jane Minnehan of Auburn and her companion, Lane Cushman; son, George of Mechanic Falls; seven grandchildren, Michael and companion, Daniele, Nicholas, Jacob, Leah, Annelie, Isaiah and Avalene; one very special great-granddaughter, Jaeyla Mae; a brother, Don and Josie Tardif of Auburn; many nieces, nephews, brother and sisters-in-law.

He was predeceased by his paternal parents; his sister, Jackie; brother, Jim; and great-granddaughter, Ariyanna.

The family wishes to thank the staff and nurses at Market Square Health Care Center and Androscoggin Hospice for all they did in keeping Jerry comfortable during his illness. A special thank you to Dr. Eshleman for all the years he’s been with our family.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.oxfordhillsfuneralservices.com.