Jacques "Jack" R. Laverdure

Jacques (Jack) R. Laverdure passed away peacefully at home, on Tuesday,November 26,2013, surrounded by his adoring family, in Brookfield, Connecticut. He was 86. Jack was born in Montreal, Canada, on December 9, 1926, to Emery and Bernadette Laverdure. He was one of nine children. He married Carole Gyllensten on September 17, 1966, in Danbury, Connecticut. The couple raised two daughters together. As an infant, it was thought that Jack would not survive due to a severe illness. Brother André Bessette, later canonized as St. André of Montreal, blessed Jack and advised his parents to bring him to a farm to get well. As recommended, his mother took him to stay at a farm and he made a full recovery. Soon afterwards, Jack and his family moved to Fairfax, Vermont, to run a dairy farm. It was on the dairy farm that Jack spent the majority of his childhood and learned the importance of hard work.

Jack was a proud veteran of the United States Army, serving during WWII and Korean War. As a civilian, Jack worked for 26 years as the office manager and sales representative at Miller -Stephenson Chemical Company. In 1981, he followed his dream to be self-employed and became owner and operator of Double Twister Ice Cream Store in Danbury, Connecticut. He sold the business and retired in 1992. During his retirement he continued to work at various jobs, including most recently at Green Funeral Home in Danbury, Connecticut. Jack was an active member of Catholic War Veterans of Danbury Connecticut Post 1042. He served as Post 1042 Officer-of-the-Day for several years and supported their Cross of Peace Program. He was President of Wooster Mountain Gun Club, member of Pahquioque Rod and Gun Club, and a Life Member of the NRA who enjoyed hunting and skeet-shooting.

Most notably, Jack was a wonderful husband, father, pépère, brother, uncle and friend. He was described by loved ones as an all-time great man who would use his wit to make you smile. He was a hard worker and a true family man. He may be best remembered for building his family home, playing songs on his harmonica, and providing pony rides at birthday parties, local church events and festivals. Jack is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Carole Gyllensten Laverdure; his daughters, Claudette Novella and Jacqueline Laverdure; his granddaughter, Ashley Novella; son-in-law, Eric Schouten; brother, Louis Laverdure; sisters, Stephanette Potvin, Therese Richardson and Georgette Audette; brothers-in-law, Nils Gyllensten and Gilbert Audette; sister-in-law, Sharon Gyllensten; as well as many loving nephews and nieces. He was especially close to his nephew Jean Morin and his wife Carol, his niece Janet Zerbarini and her husband Bob. He was predeceased by his parents, his oldest brother, Roma Laverdure, and sisters, Simone Lavallee, Cecile Bailargeon and Andrée Morin.

The family will greet friends from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm on Sunday, December 8, 2013, at Green Funeral Home, 57 Main Street, Danbury, CT. Funeral Services will be held on Monday, December 9, 2013, at 10:00 am, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 163 Whisconier Road, Brookfield, CT. Burial will follow at Wooster Cemetery in Danbury. The Laverdure family would like to extend their appreciation to everyone who came by to show their love and support to Jack and his family. The family also offers gratitude to Dr. Wasser, Dr. Kloss, Father O’Neil and all the caring staff at Regional Hospice Care of Western Connecticut for their support. Memorials may be made in Jack’s name to American Lung Association and Regional Hospice Care of Western Connecticut. To sign a book of remembrance please visit www.the green funeral home.com