Northborough – On May 22, 2020, Gerald Caissie, 90, of Northborough, MA, passed away from complications with COVID-19. Born to Jude and Celina (Gallant) Caissie in Rogersville, New Brunswick, Canada in 1930, Gerald was one of 8 children. He was married over 65 years to the love of his life, Agnes (Deveau) Caissie, with whom he had three daughters.
He met Agnes at a dance in 1952, and they married in 1954. They could often be seen holding hands and never seemed to run out of things to talk about. They exemplified a true team and set an example of true love and commitment. Gerald was an honest, hardworking man who worked as a lumberjack and on his farm.
In 1960, following Gerald’s brother André to Waltham, MA, Gerald and Agnes became a staple in the French-Canadian community, opening their home to many making their way to the United States. A play at the French-Canadian Club later recounted how passing through one of the Caissie brothers’ houses was a rite of passage for immigrants to Waltham.
Gerald worked for the Town of Wellesley in the forestry department for 29 years. His passion for working in the outdoors continued long into retirement. Even well into his 70’s, Gerald could be found climbing trees with his chain saw in hand and little more than Agnes holding the rope.
A loving and devoted father and husband, Gerald loved to spend time with his growing family. You could often find Gerald engaged in a game of cards (usually playing 200 with Gerry bidding too high, reminding everyone to play fast!), or sharing a cup of tea with stories and laughter.
Gerald had a special warmth in his smile that was felt by everyone he shared it with. Quick to give a helping hand, always with a sparkle in his eyes, Gerry had a generous and forgiving heart. Gerald and Agnes were dear friends to many and split their time between Florida, New Brunswick and the homes of their daughters, building friendships and community everywhere they went.
Gerald will be missed by many: his wife Agnes (Deveau) Caissie; three daughters and their husbands, Marielle (Joe) Vigliotte, Claudine (Rick) Araujo, Anna (Remi) Doiron; eight grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. He is predeceased by his siblings Edgar Caissie, Marie Thebeau, Zita Despres, and Emile Caissie. He is survived by his loving brothers André and Alfred, his sister Lucie Richard, and many nieces, nephews and friends.
The family is saddened to not be able to give Gerald the traditional services he deserves due to the COVID-19 restrictions. A memorial Mass and remembrance celebration will be held at a later date.
The family appreciates the wonderful care that Gerald received from the thoughtful staff at Beaumont Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Center and Whitney Place Assisted Living over the past year.
The family encourages donations in Gerald’s memory to be made to the American Parkinson’s Disease Association, 135 Parkinson Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10305, (www.apdaparkinson.org).
Hays Funeral Home, 56 Main Street, Northborough is honored to assist the Caissie family with arrangements. Please visit www.HaysFuneralHome.com to leave a condolence or to share a story.
