Gérard Arsenault, 91, of Moncton, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Saturday March 18, 2023 at the Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont UHC. Born in Bouctouche, he was the son of the late Alphonse and Laura (Bastarache) Arsenault.
Gérard attended the Bouctouche Convent and the Collège Saint-Joseph in Memramcook. He began his year of novitiate in 1949 and made his perpetual profession in 1953 with the Congregation of the Brothers of the Holy Cross. He first taught in Montreal and then became a teacher and director of the primary section of Saint-Alfred School in Bangladesh. In 1963, Gérard studied religious sciences at Lumen Vitae, Brussels, Belgium. In 1964, he was a teacher and principal at Holy Cross Middle School in Rangirkari, Silchar, India. He graduated in social communications from Saint Paul University in Ottawa in 1974. Gérard was involved in various activities in New Brunswick: New Brunswick New Start (research project), Centre d'animation communautaire, assistant director at the NB Department of Youth Recreation and Cultural Resources, assistant director at the New Brunswick School and Craft Centre in Fredericton and French teacher at the NB Language School in Fredericton.
Gérard had several passions: travel, classical music and choir singing. He sang with several choirs in Fredericton and Moncton. Gérard was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 11985 of Notre-Dame-de-la-Paix parish in Moncton.
Besides his wife of 44 years, Bernice (Poirier), he is survived by two sisters: Alphonsine and Thérèse Deyoung (Donny); four brothers: Emery (Roberta), Roger (Lucille), Camille (Nicole) and Jean-Charles; as well as many sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, and friends.
He was predeceased by one sister, Noëlla; and four brothers: Émile, Alyre, Wilfred, and Paul.
The family wishes to thank the staff at the Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont UHC and the Extra Mural Program for their care and compassion.
As per his wishes, there will be no visitation at the funeral centre. The funeral mass will be celebrated at Notre-Dame-de-la-Paix church, 87 Murphy Avenue, Moncton on Friday March 24 at 11 am. Face covering is highly recommended. Interment will be at Frenette Columbarium. In memory of Gérard, a contribution to the CHU Dumont Foundation (oncology) would be appreciated. Funeral arrangements are in the professional care of Frenette Funeral and Cremation Centre, Moncton (506-858-1900).
Words of comfort and donations may be made at www.frenettefuneralhome.com