Gerald Joseph (Capt. n Gerry) Sirois

Gerald “Capt’n Gerry” Sirois of East Hampton, CT passed on to the big party boat in the sky on December 16 following an 8 week struggle with various medical challenges.

Gerry was born on August 3 1939 in Caribou, Maine. He was the second child and first son of Lewis W. Sr. and Germaine (Ayotte) Sirois of Caribou, Maine.  He took great pride in being one of the eldest of his 11 brothers and sisters.

Gerry spent his young years working with his father and brothers on their northern Maine potato farm. In 1957 he graduated from Caribou High School and then enlisted in the Army National Guard. After completing his 6 month basic training at Fort Chaffee, Arkansas, he went on to complete his National Guard commitment for over five years, first in Maine and then in Connecticut where he soon re-located.

Gerry spent his entire adult life in the Greater Hartford area. Like his father, he was a very talented carpenter, craftsman and master of many trades. He joined Evans & Paole, a flooring, kitchen and bath company in Glastonbury where he developed a broad range of expertise and skills and a reputation for excellence that kept him in high demand with customers.

In addition to his work at Evans & Paole, Gerry was also the Superintendent of the Chatham Apartments, on Lake Pocotopaug in East Hampton, CT – a building owned by Hap Evans of Evans & Paole. Gerry proudly took care of the Chatham for over 50 years. It was his home and he loved living there on the lake.

In 1995 Gerry launched his own independent company, Chatham Countertops & Floor Coverings, building an even greater following and stronger loyalty among his customers in the area. Gerry took great pride in his meticulous work and in having a large roster of happy and satisfied customers.

While Gerry always applied his family’s strong work ethic and level of perfection to his craft, he also created a full and fun social life and circle. He was the proud Captain of his beloved pontoon party boat, The USS Chatham, which he cruised for years on Lake Pocotopaug in East Hampton. Capt’n Gerry was known and loved by many in the community for hosting many gatherings on his boat. One could say he attained legendary status as Capt’n Gerry. On visits to his town, it wasn’t unusual for his family to mention his full name to friends, merchants and neighbors and have them respond quizzically. But the moment you mentioned “Capt’n Gerry” everyone knew immediately who we were referring to. He delighted in being known in his community and was especially proud of his relationship with Governor and Mrs. Bill O’Neill who were initially loyal customers but who grew to be good friends, often joining him on his boat outings on the lake.

For years Gerry’s mantra was “Don’t worry about it!” but those close to him knew that his air of nonchalance could be a cover for his reach for perfection. The family knew Gerry as fun-loving and generous with his skills, often briefly moving in with them when needed to work on their building or renovation projects.

Gerry was pre-deceased by his mother, father, brother Clayton and sister Paula. He is survived by his brothers: Gary and wife Linda of Maine; Lewis and wife Gloria of Maine; and Leigh and wife Eileen of Tennessee. His is also survived by his sisters: Joyce Sirois Poulin of Maine; Linda Sirois Dumeer and husband Wes of South Carolina; Elaine Sirois Lucha and husband Carlos of California; Karen Sirois Haskell and husband David of Maine; and Gay Sirois and husband Todd Robertson of Colorado.

He is also survived by scores of nieces and nephews, grand-nieces and nephews and dozens of cousins.

The family offers sincere thanks to the palliative care and hospice team at Hartford Hospital who enabled Gerry to leave this earth in peace and comfort with family by his side.

We would also like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to some of Gerry’s friends and neighbors who were steadfast to the end in their care and concern for Gerry – especially Colleen Pratt and Marty Flannery.

Per Gerry’s wishes there will be no formal services. The family will host an intimate gathering at his residential complex later in January.  In lieu of flowers, please offer a random act of kindness to a friend or stranger in hopes of alleviating some of their worry. 

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