Gerald Joseph Cloutier

Gerald J. Cloutier, 93, of Lewiston, Maine died Saturday May 9, 2026. He was a resident of the Galway Unit in the Clover Healthcare at the time of his death. He died peacefully surrounded by his family. Born in Lewiston, Maine on January 30, 1933, Gerald was the son of the late Wilfrid and Marie Jeanne (Brochu) Cloutier.

He graduated from St. Peter and Paul school and then from St. Dominic High School in 1951. He attended Bliss Business College until 1953 when he enlisted in the U.S. Army serving in the Korean War until released from active duty in 1956. Gerald then became an active reservist from 1956 to 1993. His patriotism and prior enlistment was parlayed into an almost 30 year career as the Supervisory Staff Administrator for the 1125th U.S. Army Hospital in Auburn. It was a career he was immensely proud of and he earned numerous military awards such as the Army Commendation Medal with Oakleaf Cluster, Good Conduct Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Army of Occupation Medal and many more. Recently, he and his oldest son Michael traveled to Washington, D.C. to participate in the Honor Flight Program. This event brought him great joy not only to celebrate and honor other Veterans but to experience it with his son.

After working for many years, Jerry met Yolande (Morissette) in 1969 at a fellow reservist’s wedding. That friend eventually became his brother-in-law, Robert (Bob) Morissette. Not knowing Bob had a single sister attending as the Maid of honor, Jerry has often said “it’s a good thing I went to that wedding!” One year later, they were married, settled in Lewiston and raised two sons, Michael and David. He often credited Yolande with the wonderful home she created and how she tackled raising two boys while he worked.

Jerry’s life wasn’t always filled with work. He was truly passionate about coin collecting, fishing and gardening. He would often fish with his best friend, Paul Farrell, enjoying the company and reminiscing about their military history. He would often take his grandchildren, Charlotte and Max fishing, baiting their hooks and trying to keep them from scaring the fish away. Gardening was also a great passion. He nurtured and took tremendous care of his small yet fruitful garden. He spent hours with his grandchildren in the garden showing them how to plant and care for the harvest. He loved packing his freezer with the berries grown so he could enjoy them all winter long on his ice cream.

After retiring from the 1125th, Jerry volunteered at C.M.M.C. for 5 years and then 28 years at St. Mary’s Hospital. He only stopped a year into the COVID19 pandemic. This spoke to his need to be of service and his unwavering belief that if he can help, he will. Jerry was extremely proud of his family. He enjoyed every day moments and the special events and holidays as well. Family reunions and gatherings with his nieces and nephews were his favorites. He was a quiet and humble man who never wanted a fuss to be made over him but he wouldn’t miss a chance to support or celebrate others accomplishments.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Yolande. His sons Michael (and daughter-in-law Kathy) of Lewiston and David (and daughter-in-law Beth) of Warwick, RI. Four grandchildren; Max and Charlotte (Michael); Ruby and Benjamin (David). Jerry leaves many nephews and nieces and great nephews and nieces that were so dear to him.

Jerry was predeceased by all of his siblings, Roger, Dolores, Laurier, Bertrand, Jeannine and Claude.

His family would like to thank the staff in the Galway Unit at Clover (especially Tracy and Brittany) and his Andell Hospice team, Margaret and Alice. The compassion, respect and kindness you showed him cannot be mentioned enough. You met a man that had no understanding that dementia had taken over his life yet you made him feel needed, cared for and loved in your presence. We cannot be more grateful for you all.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Visitation for Jerry on Tuesday, May 26th from 9 AM to 10:30 AM at The Fortin & Pinette Group, 305 Alfred A Plourde Parkway Lewiston, ME 04240. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated on Tuesday, May 26 at 11AM at the Basilica of Saints Peter & Paul, 122 Ash Street Lewiston, ME 04240. A Graveside Service will take place on Thursday, June 4th at 12PM at the Maine Veteran's Memorial Cemetery, 163 Mount Vernon Road Augusta, ME 04330