1927 – 2014

BIDDEFORD — Gerard Henri Jean, a resident at St. Andre Health Care in Biddeford, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 16.

He was born in Manchester, N.H., on July 17, 1927, the son of Albert and Antoinette Michaud Jean. He attended Manchester, N.H., and Lewiston schools. Gerard left Lewiston High School to volunteer to serve in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He had basic training in Pensacola, Fla., and from there he went to the Great Lakes, where he instructed pilots on landing procedures on aircraft carriers.

In his early youth, Gerard was vaudeville entertainer. He won many prizes for his tap dancing, including first prize in an amateur contest at the Auburn firemen’s ball in 1938, and another first prize at a contest at Lewiston City Hall in 1940. His stints included a billing at the Hotel de Ville as a “champion tap dancer.”

As a teenager and young adult, he played guitar and banjo, and sang in a band with his best friend, Oliva Paradis, playing the popular songs of the day.

Gerard worked more than 25 years at the Hill division of the Bates Mill in Lewiston, most of those years as a tying machine operator. Following the closure of the mill, Gerard was then employed by the Lewiston Water Division, until his retirement. He was a hardworking and honest family man.

Gerard was active in the Hill division bowling and softball leagues. He was also a member of the American Legion, Montagnard, Circle Canadien and Musical Literary clubs, where he held officer positions. He served as secretary for the Friendly Realty Corporation.

Gerard is survived by his former wife, Esther Allen Jean; and three daughters, Antoinette “Toni” Griskivich and her husband, Stan, of Deer Isle, Deborah Jean of Peaks Island and Kate Mathieu and her husband, Leo, of Portland.

To share condolences and memories with the family, please go to www.athutchins.com.

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