Gerald R. Messier, 96, of New Bedford passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 27, 2024 at the Hope Hospice Center in Providence, RI.   He was the beloved husband of the late Doris M. (Pelletier) Messier, with whom he shared 50 years of marriage.

Born in New Bedford, he was the son of the late Leda (Pelletier) and George Messier.  He served his country honorably in the U.S. Army in the years of 1945-1947, then returned to high school at the age of 28.

Gerry was a formerly employed as the Director of the New Bedford Office of Emergency Services, Civil Defense, until his retirement.

His joy was traveling with his wife and doing research as a genealogist.  He had written three books on his Messier Family history, and enjoyed many genealogical history groups and clubs pertaining to family history.

He leaves behind three children, Thomas Messier and his wife, June of Massachusetts, Kathleen Carey and her husband Mark of Florida, and Karen Besson and her husband Leigh of Rhode Island.  He also leaves behind four grandchildren, Jocelyn Perry and her husband Scott of Acushnet, David Allain and his wife Sandra of New Hampshire, Nigel Besson and his partner Julia Van Gyzen of Colorado, and Remy Besson and his partner Carla McCarron of Rhode Island. He was also blessed with six great-grandchildren, Alanna Allain and her partner Josh St. Peter, Taylor Allain and her partner Dylan Greenwood, Lauren Allain and her partner Cole Jarvis, Kaitlyn Allain and her partner Tristan Berg, all of New Hampshire, Briana Allain of Florida and Ashlyn Allain of South Carolina. Additionally, he was blessed with six great-great grandchildren, Camden and Peyton Allain, Oliver and Henry Greenwood, Rae-Lyn Jarvis, and Mila Berg.

He was the grandfather of the late Daniel Allain, and brother of the late Bertrand Messier, Gertrude Messier, and Imelda Hilton.

His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, September 4th at 10:30 AM at Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, New Bedford. Burial with military honors will follow at 12:30 pm at the Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne. Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday, September 3rd, from 4-7 PM at the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name can be made to the Veterans Transition House, 1297 Purchase St., New Bedford, MA 02740. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.