Gerard M. Thuillier, fondly known as “Uncle Mel” to family and friends, age 88, of Wilmington, died peacefully on May 17, 2017, at the Winchester Hospital.
Gerard was born on December 19, 1928, in Lowell, MA; he was the dear son of Marcel and Aurore Thuillier. Gerard was raised and educated in Lowell and as a young man, he left high school to join the United States Navy in 1947; serving aboard the USS Rich. After he was honorably discharged on May 17, 1950, Gerard earned his electrician’s license and eventually landed a job at Filene’s where he stayed until he retired in 1991.
Gerard was married to the “love of his life” June, for 59 ½ years until her passing in January of 2016. Gerard and June made their loving home in Wilmington since 1962.
Gerard loved the color purple and cherished any amount of time he spent with his family.
“You are now at peace and without pain. Your job on earth is done. May you rest in Heaven and sing and dance with those who have gone before you. Your humor, smile and your gentle embrace will be missed by all. Until we meet again . . . “
Gerard was the beloved husband of the late L. June (Turenne) Thuillier, devoted father of David Thuillier & his wife Bonnie of Hillsborough, NH, Brenda Modrak& her husband Robert of Derry, NH, Peter Thuillier & his wife Theresa of Derry, NH, and Michael Thuillier & his wife Deborah of Tewksbury, MA. Loving “Grampy” of Melissa Thuillier, the late Daniel Thuillier, Jim Jantti & his wife Stephanie, Christopher, Anthony, Stephanie & Brittany Modrak, Joseph & Patrick Thuillier and great-grandchildren Aiden Thuillier and Noah Modrak. Dear son of the late Marcel and Aurore (Thellen) Thuillier, brother of the late Kenneth, Raymond, and Doris Thuillier. Gerard is survived by his sister-in-law Dorothy Thuillier of Methuen as well as many nieces and nephews.
Family and friends will gather at the Nichols Funeral Home, 187 Middlesex Ave. (Rte. 62), Wilmington, on Wednesday, May 24th at 9:00 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Thomas of Villanova Church, 126 Middlesex Ave., Wilmington at 10:00 a.m. Interment with Military Honors will follow in Wildwood Cemetery, Wilmington. Visiting Hours will be held at the Funeral Home on Tuesday, May 23rd from 4:00-8:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers donations in Gerard’s memory may be made to Perkins School for the Blind, 175 North Beacon St., Watertown, MA 02472.