Gerald Francis Beloin
Thank you for your service
Gerald served in the armed forces. We honor that service here.
Jerry was born October 15th, 1932 in Holyoke, MA, an only child to (his parents names). When he was 3 years old his father relocated to Fitchburg, MA for work. Jerry graduated from St. Bernard’s high school in 1951. Four years later in the summer of 1955 is when he would meet his wife Barbara.
Barbara says the first time she ever saw him, she was at her older brother Jim’s basketball game and Jerry was on the opposing team. Jerry was a good basketball player but he played dirty though and slammed Jim into a wall. Barbara yelled at him from the bleachers and cheered him on whenever he’d miss his layups and 3 pointers. If you know Barbara and know she’s got her sights on you, you better watch out!
It all worked out for them both. They married in 1961 an created a beautiful life together over the next 65 years. They have three children together, Gregory Beloin, Ellen Griffin, and Mathew Beloin and amassed 12 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren whom he all loved and cherished deeply. He was an incredible family oriented man. He worked multiple jobs while furthering his education to support his family. He never once missed one of his kids ball games or dance recitals, even when he would sneak a drink at Raunclauves across the street, he would always make it back on time to see his daughters dance or his sons make the shot.
Jerry joined the army and fought in the Korean conflict. He came home and graduated from Fitchburg state in 1959 and continued to earn his masters in education in 1966. He became a teacher in Newton public schools for the next 28 years. He loved teaching and helping children, he ran the special Olympics for many years. He would run summer programs for kids at Saint Bernard’s church and Saint Camilla’s. Once Jerry retired from teaching he drove the MART bus for seniors for many years after.
If he could (and he would) he’d be apart in doing everything he loved. Jerry was apart of the Irish American Club, British American Club, Fitchburg City Council, Fitchburg Rotary East, Knights of Columbus, American Legion Post #10, Montachusett Dart Association and the Eastwood Club.
He was an avid coin, watch collector and cribbage player. Between playing at the senior center every Tuesday, every single Monday you could catch him, his brother in law John and his wife Barbara sitting at the kitchen table for hours cheering each other on or teaming up with one or the other to win which was pretty entertaining especially with Jerry’s colorful vocabulary and quick witted jokes while eating his beloved peanut butter and onion sandwiches.
Jerry loved going to and throwing parties. He was a natural host, with Barbara’s help of course an together they would throw these amazing turkey trot parties that they started in the early 90’s. He always lived life, the new years before his passing, him, Barbara and a group of their friends went to Brady’s in Leominster as they do every year an he had the absolute best time. It was all he talked about our last conversation together in between him sneaking snacks whenever Barbara turned around or left the kitchen.
Jerry lived his life to the absolute fullest like traveling all around the world and accomplishing so many incredible things, even in his extra years he lived, it pays to be married to a pitbull (Barbara’s words) haha!
His incredible stories, beautiful smile, wise words, hilarious jokes and endless memories will forever be embedded into the hearts of everyone he’s met and loved. We’ll forever love and miss you Papa ❤️
Gerald’s life, in a printed book
We design every page from Gerald’s 34 photos. Make it yours, then order a copy for everyone who loved Gerald.
The world Gerald knew
Family milestones in gold, history for context
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