Gerald J. Chamberland

Gerald J. Chamberland, 66, of Bristol passed away peacefully on Tuesday May 28, 2013 at The Pines at Bristol. He had been the loving husband of Alice (Gonsalves) Chamberland for 43 years.

Born in New Brunswick, Canada on February 22, 1947, to the late Wilbrod and Hilda Boutot, he had been a longtime Bristol resident.

Jerry proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. He was a member of the CT National Guard Military Honors Unit in 2007. He was the former Vice-Chairman of the Bristol Veterans' Council; a member of the Franco American Veteran's Organization and has served as Adjutants, Chaplain and a Senior Vice Commander. Jerry was elected town constable in 2011, and he served as Bristol Commissioner of Person's with Disabilities as well as a Justice of the peace.

Jerry was very passionate about the Memorial Boulevard and what it stood for. His primary purpose was to ensure that the Boulevard was treated with respect and making sure that those who traveled along it understood what it represented as well. He really cherished the monuments and was instrumental in the ceremonies that were held to honor those veterans who have fallen. He was part of the honor guard and stood by the side of many of his fellow veterans at their memorial services. He placed flags on all of the graves of the veterans to honor them. He had such energy for the town of Bristol and loved the many lives that he has touched.

Jerry believed the youth that were entering the military should be celebrated, so he and fellow legion members created a banquet to celebrate the town's brave youth. Teenagers and youth gravitated towards his passion and knowledge. He was a mentor to many.

Though he battled cancer, you would never know. He faced his disease with a courageous attitude and refused to give up, even to the very end. He fought with strength, courage and determination. He also enjoyed helping others at the cancer center and gave hope to many.

"The lives that he has touched will never be the same without him. His laugh, his love, his caring, his spark are always going to be etched in our hearts."

"Jerry was a wonderful man, a friend to many and a true Patriot. Heavens Guard just got stronger."

"Thank you for your service to your; Country, your town, and letting all of us becoming part of your life."

In addition to his wife Alice, he is survived by his father George Boutot and his wife Ada of Maine, his son Richard Chamberland and his wife Jacqueline of Virginia, his daughter Lisa Chamberland of Bristol, two grandchildren, Ethan and Sophia; his 4 siblings, his in-law family which includes his mother-in-law, 3 brother-in-laws, 3 sister-in-laws as well as and his 11 nieces and nephews. He was a wonderful family man and loved to spend time with his family especially his grandkids, his little butterfly and his buddy.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Jerry's memory may be made to the American Cancer Society 825 Brook St, I-91 Tech Ctr. Rocky Hill, CT 06067 or to Horses For Heroes - New Mexico, Inc. P.O. Box 1882 Santa Fe, NM 87504.

A memorial service will be held on Friday May 31, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at the Plantsville Funeral Home, 975 S. Main St., Plantsville. Full military honors will follow. Calling hours will be held before the service from 10 - 11 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be at the convenience of the family in the State Veteran's Cemetery, Middletown. For online condolences and directions, please visit www.plantsvillefuneralhome.com.

FUNERAL SERVICES

In lieu of flowers, donations in Jerry's memory may be made to the American Cancer Society 825 Brook St, I-91 Tech Ctr. Rocky Hill, CT 06067 or to Horses For Heroes - New Mexico, Inc. P.O. Box 1882 Santa Fe, NM 87504.

A memorial service will be held on Friday May 31, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at the Plantsville Funeral Home, 975 S. Main St., Plantsville. Full military honors will follow. Calling hours will be held before the service from 10 - 11 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be at the convenience of the family in the State Veteran's Cemetery, Middletown. For online condolences and directions, please visit www.plantsvillefuneralhome.com.