Gerald Leo Comeau

Gerry was the eldest of three boys born to Lorraine and Eddie Comeau and grew up in Groveland on Fairview Circle, in a neighborhood full of young families. There were always enough kids for a game and the cul-de-sacs supported a legendary paper route that he passed on to brothers Mike and Bob. At Pentucket, Gerry added friends and excelled in athletics, winning the Cape Ann Baseball Championship in 1966. In 1967 he joined the Air Force, earned a top security clearance, and served in Libya and Okinawa. He parlayed his military service into a business degree and job at the IRS where his curiosity about computers launched a career in high tech. As the VP of Worldwide Tech Support for RSA Security, he traveled the world and proudly mentored many young engineers. He married Janet Ridinger in 1975, and they welcomed Renee in 1980 and Bryan in 1983. Gerry said being a dad was his best job ever and his kids filled him with joy. He coached their sports teams, took them camping and they watched their favorite comedies together. He could quote any Mel Brooks or Monty Python line without hesitation. His love of all types of music turned his extensive collection into Boogsie and Clark D.J.’s with his best friend Dave “Boogsie” Martin. In 1999, Gerry married his high school sweetheart, Jennifer Costain, adding Matthew and Robert Eckel to the blended family.

In retirement, old friends reappeared and filled his tank with memories and laughter. The Old Coots, including Dave Martin, Mike Prescott, Wayne Melville and John Kurkjian have stayed close in recent years and were with him when he passed on. Gerry leaves behind a grateful family including his wife Jennifer, daughter Renee, son Bryan and his wife Lauren and the grandkids Eli and Lyla and bonus sons Matthew and Robert Eckel. He also leaves his two brothers and their families, including Michael and Karen of Alfred, ME and Robert and Marcie of Peachtree City, GA and importantly, his beloved Shih Tzu Gracie.

Gerry lived a full and authentic life that was cut short by the ravages of Alzheimer’s Disease that he faced with dignity and grace. He received wonderful support and care from VA Healthcare, Sarah’s Place in Haverhill, his amazing Visiting Angels homecare team and Tufts Care at Home Hospice. He asked that donations be directed to one of those organizations.

The family will have a private graveside service and a celebration of his life is being planned for this summer.