Gerard Coulombe Was Veteran, SSA Mechanic

Gerard Coulombe died Tuesday, March 7, at home in Vineyard Haven. He was 83. He was predeceased by his wife, Rita O. (Labarre) Coulombe.

Gerry was born near Three Rivers, Canada, on Jan. 10, 1923, the son of Origene and Leona (Ethier) Coulombe.

He enlisted in the Marines before World War II and was one of the first to be sent overseas and remained until the end of the war.

When he returned he moved to Martha's Vineyard and worked for the Steamship Authority as a mechanic for almost 40 years.

He is survived by his siblings, Laurier, Maurice, Donald, Wilfrid, Roland, Roger, Annette Phenix, Yvette Fenton, Rita Dupont and Therese Phenix, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brothers, Lionel, Romeo, Lucien, Jean-Marie, Richard and his sisters, Lucille Lafrance and Marie-Ange Ledoux.

His graveside service will be held at noon on Saturday, March 11, in the Oak Grove Cemetery on State Road in Vineyard Haven. The Rev. Michael Nagle will officiate. Military honors will be provided by the Martha's Vineyard Veterans.

Arrangements are under the care of the Chapman, Cole & Gleason Funeral Home in Oak Bluffs. Visit www.ccgfuneralhome.com for online guest book and information.