Gerard E. Francoeur Jr. ’62

Gerard E. Francoeur Jr. ’62 died on July 28, 2019, in Yarmouth, Maine.

(The following was published in the Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram on July 31, 2019:)

Gerry Francoeur '62

Gerry Francoeur ’62, circa 1994

Gerard Emile Francoeur Jr., 79, of North Yarmouth, Maine, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 28, 2019, while in hospice care at Bay Square of Yarmouth.

Gerry, the second of seven children born to Gerard and Jeannette (Bernier), was born in Westbrook, Maine. It is there that he met his beloved wife of fifty-eight years, Jane Libby. He was an Eagle Scout and attended Westbrook High School, class of 1958. After working at S.D. Warren during summers while in high school, he attended Bowdoin College on a full S.D. Warren scholarship. While studying at Bowdoin, Gerry was active in ROTC and the PSI Upsilon fraternity. He graduated from Bowdoin in 1962.

After college Gerry continued to serve his country in the army. He was stationed in Frankfurt, Germany, where he used his math degree working for the Army Security Agency. While serving he attained the rank of captain. After leaving the military he began his career as an innovator and leader in the emerging computer science industry. He was proudest of the contributions and friends he made during his years he worked for Honeywell Inc. and Tyler Technologies. Gerry retired from Tyler Technologies in 2007.

On Aug. 5, 1961, Gerry married Jane Libby, also of Westbrook. They moved to Cumberland and raised three sons, Greg, Gary, and Tom. Gerry was a devoted husband and father. He coached little league, was a boy scout troop leader, and an avid golf and skiing instructor to his three sons. He encouraged his children to excellence and was tremendously proud of his children and their accomplishments. His passions included golfing, reading, and exploring Maine’s natural wonders. He spent over a decade organizing a charitable golf tournament in memory of his son, Greg. The tournament raised funds to provide educational opportunities for young Mainers to attend and study science at the University of Maine. He was forever grateful to the people, community, and organizations that made the scholarship a reality.

Psi U brothers

Psi U brothers. Photo from Charlie Garland ’62.

Gerry was predeceased by his son, Greg; his father, Gerard; and his mother, Jeannette. He leaves behind his wife, Jane; his sons, Gary and Tom (and wife, Sharon Secovich); his daughter-in-law, Susan and grandchildren, Kristin and Jake; and his siblings, Eugene, Andrew, Patricia Rech, Anne Reed, Theodore, Kathy Sullivan; and his many nieces and nephews.

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