LEWISTON — Gerard Raymond “Jerry” Pelletier, 92, of 31 Central Avenue, Lewiston, died at d’Youville Pavilion Sunday, March 11.

He was born in Lewiston, April 16, 1919, the son of Arthur and Ledia Raymond Pelletier. He attended Jordan School. At his retirement, he was the owner of the business started by his father, Arthur Pelletier & Son General Contractor. They had a hand in building many structures that remain part of the Lewiston-Auburn community today, including the Franco-American Heritage Center (formerly St. Mary’s Church), the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, the Marcotte Home, the lodge at Lost Valley, many local mills, hospitals, warehouses and homes.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Army with the rank of staff sergeant, having served during World War II on the coast of Maine and as an airplane mechanic on the European front including England, France, Belgium, Italy, Luxembourg and Germany. His native french language was a valuable asset during his time there and he had many stories about his travels.

Jerry was an avid sportsman and enjoyed fishing, hunting and adventuring in the wilderness from the Allagash to Northern Quebec. He was athletic in his younger years and played semi-professional hockey on the Lewiston Cyclones hockey team. He rooted for the Red Sox, Bruins and Canadiens, all his life, and reveled in his grandson’s talents on the ice.

He could also cut a dashing figure in a tuxedo and enjoyed elegant dining and dancing. He married the former Joline Simpson in 1954 in Lewiston, and they raised seven children. He was a member of the Le Club Musical-Littéraire, Montagnard Snowshoe Club, and the American Legion. Until his vision failed, he loved to read. He had a a sharp mind and delightful wit that never faded.

He is survived by four sons, Daniel of Manhattan and Marc and partner, Joseph Dezzi, of Williamsburgh, Brooklyn, N.Y., Dr. John Pelletier of Brunswick and William and wife, Carol Bosse Pelletier, of Auburn; three daughters, Denyse (Deedee) of Auburn, Tina and husband, Brooks Clark, of Buxton and Joelle and husband, Donald Mottola, of Waltham, Mass.; two grandchildren, Jared and Brendon Pelletier of Auburn; one sister, Mrs. Dorothy Lane of Falmouth; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by brothers, Charles, Marcel, Clement and Arthur Jr.; sister, Mrs. Annette Ouellette; former wife, Joline Pelletier; and two beloved nephews and godsons, Paul Gerard Caret and Raymond Spencer Jr.

The Pelletier family would like to thank the staff at d’Youville Pavilion for their excellent care and kindness, and the many people who helped Jerry live his last years independently in the house he and his father built, including his friend, Cecile Letourneau.

Donations and condolences may be accessed online at www.albert-burpee.com.