Gerald William Charest

DUDLEY, MA/SURPRISE, AZ - Gerald William Charest, 90, was born on November 13, 1929, in Boston, Massachusetts, to Albert and Lea (Roberts) Charest, and was raised in Roxbury's close-knit Mission Hill neighborhood. A man of quiet strength and warm generosity, Gerry called Milford home for 52 years before uniting in marriage with Barbara Szlyk in 1997. Throughout his life, Gerry was defined by a profound devotion to serving others. Beyond his professional career as a purchasing manager for a local tile company, he poured his energy into civic and fraternal life as an active member of the Rotary Club, a member of the No Name Club, and a lifelong Knight of Columbus. An avid sports enthusiast, he could almost always be found passionately cheering on his beloved Boston Red Sox.

Together, Gerry and Barbara shared a life rich in adventure, traveling extensively and quietly exploring the world—from the vibrant landscapes of Mexico and Canada to the historic beauty of England, Italy, and sights across the United States. In the late 1990s, they relocated to New Smyrna Beach, Florida, where they faithfully lived out their shared commitment to love, community, and service. As active parishioners of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, they gave selflessly of their time as dedicated volunteers with hospice and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.

In 2018, they moved to Surprise, Arizona, to be closer to family, where they continued their passion for community volunteering.

Gerry was preceded in death by his beloved sister, Loretta, and his brothers, Armand, Alfonse, George, Leo, Paul, and Robert. Following an extended illness, Gerald passed away peacefully on March 18, 2020.

Gerry was deeply cherished as a husband, brother, grandfather, uncle, and friend. In his final days, when asked how he wished to be remembered, he paused, met the question with a calm and steady gaze, and offered a single, eternal word: "LOVE."

That was Gerry—beloved by all who were blessed to know him. 💗

A joint memorial Mass for Gerry and Barbara Charest will be held on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Anthony of Padua Church in Dudley, Massachusetts. Burial will immediately follow at Rural Cemetery in Worcester, Massachusetts.

Paradis-Givner Funeral Home is directing the arrangements.