AUBURN — Gerard “Pappy” Brisson made his last wildly inappropriate comment the day before his death Thursday, April 27. In typical Pappy fashion, everyone was in stitches.

Jerry was born on Feb. 21, 1942, to Antonio and Yvonne (Yergeau) Brisson of New Bedford, Mass. He spent his early childhood in New Bedford before moving to Manchester, N.H. There, he met his first wife and had five beautiful daughters; Michele D. Brisson (predeceased), Susan M. Lascelle, Cheryl A. Dixon and her husband, Robert, Lisa B. Jones and her husband, Thomas, and his youngest daughter, Leslie K. Therrien.

Upon wising up, Jerry met and married Rachel Marston in a 3-month whirlwind romance. Much to his surprise, his new precious wife came with five children of her own: James Marston and his wife, Amber, Gerald Marston and his wife, Doris, Valerie Edwards and her husband, Gary, Carl Marston and his wife, Brenda, and Randy Marston and his wife, Marsha.

During his tenure as the patriarch of this brood, he accumulated a crap-ton of grandkids and great-grandkids. Every last one of them he loved with all his heart. He may not have remembered their names, but was always ready with a hug and a smile …. Oh and some Pappy snacks.

He is also survived by his brothers, Bro. Marcel (Bertrand) Brisson, s.c. and Roger Brisson. But let us not forget his favorite sister, Cecile Minnoch.

Pappy’s career was nothing but exciting. … He brought children treats from his ice cream truck, he ran his own landscaping business and on hot summer nights the John Deere would come out and he’d take the neighborhood kids for a ride. Once that was done, the adults would scream for their turn (we’re thinking there was some serious alcohol involved!). He also enjoyed inhaling the printing fumes from the print shop he worked at with his sister-in-law and brother-in-law. He most enjoyed his last business endeavor, owning Pappy’s Painting and Wallpapering, bringing much joy to old ladies requiring his services — and no it’s not what you’re thinking! He was very proud of advertising that “Ici je parle français.” He would spend countless hours talking about painting and staining, which brought him happiness, but for those of us stuck with no exit, it was like watching paint dry.

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And because we’re all a total wreck writing this obituary we probably forgot to mention a bunch of people… You know who you are and he loved you too.

Rachel, Je t’aime plus aujourd’hui qu’hier mais moins que demain.

Because there are so many people in this crazy family, a “celebration of life” will occur in the summer. In Jerry’s memory your helping hand at Rachel’s house, as time allows, would be greatly appreciated.

Gerard “Pappy” Brisson

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