Gerard Emile Brochu

JAY – Gerard Brochu, 87, of Jay, died on April 15, 2025, surrounded by his devoted family.

Born July 8, 1937, he was baptized at St. Rose of Lima where he received his sacraments and attended Parochial School. He continued his devotion to God and church serving as Eucharistic Minister and proud member of the Knights of Columbus. He was a daily communicant for many years and remained a lector and assistant to the priest throughout his life. He was actively involved in Marriage Encounter in the ’70s, taught Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD) for two years, and was a passionate life-long Right-to-Life activist, creating impactive signs and attending weekly protests.

Mr. Brochu received his diploma through the Air Force, where he served from 1956 to 1959, after which he married Pauline Hutchinson of Weld, with whom he shared seven children; 23 grandchildren; and 52 great-grandchildren.

Having first worked in the lumber yard at Otis Paper Mill in Chisholm, he was proud to become known as Inspector 13, for most of his papermaking career at the International Paper Mill which opened in 1965, in the Riley area of Jay, and where he was well known for his spirituality, creativity, sense of humor and epic pranks. He was active in the local Papermakers Union.

Gerard served his community as an Emergency Medical Technician with the local ambulance service, was a ski patrol at Spruce Mountain and involved in 4-H, for several years. As an entrepreneur, he ran The Royal Nook, a Catholic bookstore, from his Jewell Street home, and EB Graphics, specializing in custom screen-printed items, with his wife, Pauline, from their Bridge Street home.

Other hobbies included playing the guitar, camping, fishing, hunting, kayaking, gardening, archery, and renovating properties—passions taken up by sons and daughters alike. These traditions have been taken to new levels by his children, grandchildren and their spouses, who were his constant supporters and companions throughout the years, culminating in loving hands-on care, in his final week.

Visitation will be held Thursday, April 24, from 6 to 8 p.m. and the funeral service is Friday at 11 a.m. at the St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, 1 Church St., in Jay.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the A-T Children’s Project, an organization dear to Gerard’s heart. As a devoted supporter, Gerard was especially passionate about this cause due to two of his beloved grandchildren living with Ataxia-Telangiectasia. Contributions will support vital research toward a cure. atcp.org.