Obituary of Gerard Plante

Gerald “Jerry” Plante, Jr., a retired draftsman and handy man, passed away on Thursday night, December 29, 2016 at the Massachusetts General Hospital. He was 79 years old. He was born in Saco, Maine, the eldest son of Gerard and Marie Plante. His childhood was spent in Saco, Ipswich, and Cambridge. He was a graduate of Cambridge Rindge and Latin High School and then furthered his education at a Technical College to become a Draftsman. He went to work for Raytheon where he was involved in many projects including medical imaging equipment & missiles. At the age of 55, Jerry took an early buyout and retired from Raytheon. He didn’t sit idle for long and started a Handy Man Service. He could fix almost anything from appliances, automotive, electrical, plumbing, construction, and even painting. At home, he finished all the inside construction of two additions he put on his house. He had an extensive workshop in his garage where he enjoyed spending his time on countless projects. He was also an Auxiliary Policeman for the Town of Burlington for many years. Jerry loved the outdoors. He was an avid saltwater fisherman and enjoyed lobstering as well. He spent many a day aboard his friend Robert Haigh's boat off the coast of Salem. He also enjoyed spending time with his family at his house “Up Country”. It was more of a cottage on Lyford Lake in Sherwood Forest Shores, Canterbury, New Hampshire. He was one of the few to have a sailboat on the Lake. He was also a longtime member of the American Legion in Burlington. Jerry had many friends whom appreciated his unique insights and humor. He had a big heart and a great devotion to his family. Being the oldest of 6 brothers, he took his role as “Eldest” quite seriously. He was always there for his brothers and parents as they grew up and as adults always helping with guidance, support, and care. He was the beloved husband of 56 years to his loving wife, Ginny. He loved his family and tried to give his kids everything he could in good times and bad. He also loved animals. His dogs, Scout and Sasha, were great companions. He had cats whom he took for walks on a leash. He even befriended what he thought was a mouse, which grew to become a squirrel whom he called “Mousy”. The squirrel would lie on his chest and loved to be petted. Everyone will remember Jerry’s humor and use of words. He would have sayings and make statements that always had others on their toes. His descriptions of events and opinions could be so unique and so comical which made him so entertaining. There were no false pretenses with Jerry, which made him so likeable. To use Jerry’s own unconventional words, he was simply a “Decent Guy”. Jerry was the beloved husband of Virginia C. (Robillard). He was the loving father of Linda Plante of Burlington, Carolyn Bruckler & her husband Peter of Burlington, Jean Anderson of Waterville, ME, Brenda Burkett & her husband Kevin of Burlington and Gerard “Gerry” Plante, III of Billerica. He was the proud grandfather of Peter, Corey & Joey Bruckler, Mitchell, Nathaniel, Mason, Dalton & Eanna Anderson and Kevin Burkett. He was the great Grandfather of Brendan Bruckler. He was the eldest brother of Larry of NH, Milton of CA, Richard of NH and the late George and Roger. Funeral Services will be held at the Edward V Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (Exit 34 off Rt. 128, Woburn side) on Sunday, Jan 1 at 4 p.m. Visiting hours will be held prior to the service from 2-4 p.m. Burial will be private. Memorials in Jerry's name may be made to Northeast Animal Shelter, 347 Highland Ave, Salem, MA 01970 or www.northeastanimalshelter.org