Share August 30, 2014 ________________________________ 8/26/2014 Rev. Gerard Brochu - Obituary + click to enlarge Reverend Gerard Brochu Reverend Gerard Brochu 1923-2014 Reverend Gerard Brochu was born in Newport, Vt., the son of Adelard and Irma (Desbiens) Brochu on May 29, 1923. He died in Statesville, N.C., on Feb. 20, 2014. He attended Sacred Heart School and graduated from Newport High School. Father Brochu attended St. Thomas Seminary, St. Paul Seminary and the University of Ottawa and was ordained to the priesthood on June 3, 1950, at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception by Bishop Edward F. Ryan. His priestly ministry began at Holy Family, Essex Junction, Vt. (1950-1954). He also served at St. Joseph, Burlington, Vt. (1954-1959) , Notre Dame, St. Johnsbury, Vt. (1959-1961). His first pastorate was at St. Teresa, Hyde Park, Vt. (1961-1972, St. John, Johnson, Vt. (1961- 1965), St. John, Northfield, Vt. (1972-1984), St. John, St. Johnsbury, Vt. (1984-1990) and Sts. Donatian and Rogatian, Randolph, Vt. (1990-1995). Diocesan responsibilities include the Ecumenical Commission for 9 years, Liturgical Commission for 3 years, Marriage Encounter 4 years and Cursillo 6 years. He also served for 3 years on the Hyde Park School Board. Father Jerry retired in 1995 in Fort Myers, Fla., and Later to Statesville, N.C. He enjoyed gardening, cooking, traveling and enjoyed visiting relatives and friends. Always enjoyed the Desbiens Family Reunions and was able to attend the last one in 2012. He was predeceased by his younger brother John and his parents. He is survived by his sister Anita Brochu of Conway, N.H., nephew Kevin and his wife Suzanna and their children Sabina and Livia of Williston, niece Kim of Colchester, Kara of Colorado, sister-in-law Louise Brochu of California, aunt Jeanne Desbiens of Rhode Island, and many cousins. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at St. Mary's Star of the Sea , on Aug. 29, 2014, at 11 am. Committal will follow in St Mary's Cemetery.