Assumptionist 
Father Gerard Messier, 93

WORCESTER – In a life filled with warmth, laughter, and quiet wonder, Father Messier touched the hearts of all who knew him. He saw beauty in the smallest moments, joy in simple pleasures, and love in every connection. He died Oct. 25 at Notre Dame Health Care Center.

Father Messier was born on April 14, 1932, in Willimantic, Connecticut, a son of Arthur and Blanche (Peloquin) Messier and later moved with his family to Worcester. Father Messier attended Assumption Prep School, continued his studies at Assumption College and made his first vows as an Assumptionist on September 8, 1952, in Quebec, Canada. After further study, he went to France to complete his preparation for the priesthood at the Assumptionist Seminary at the Chateau de Lormoy outside Paris. He was ordained as a priest in France on March 22, 1958. His mother, a widow, sailed to France on the Queen Mary to attend his ordination, one of the proudest moments of her life. From 1959 to 1970, Father Messier was a full-time teacher of French at Assumption Prep, surveilling dormitories and doing weekend ministry at local parishes.

He was always guided and inspired by the words of Father Emmanuel D’Alzon, founder of the Assumptionists, “Until Christ is formed in those we serve.” Receiving his master’s degree in French from Middlebury College, Vermont, Father Messier continued to teach French, now at Assumption College, where he passionately shared his love for French poetry. His enthusiasm for the arts extended to drama and throughout his teaching career, he threw his energy into directing plays, from Shakespeare to Claudel and Becket.

In 1990, Father Messier moved to New York City, serving as chaplain in various hospitals and nursing homes, and also assisting first at Saint Vincent de Paul Parish and later at Holy Family Parish.

In 2019, he retired and moved back to the Worcester area. He continued to be visited by many former colleagues and students, including international visitors, who shared his love of Mozart, poetry, opera, the ocean, wine, Thoreau. A lover of quiet walks, Fr. Gerard especially treasured his visits to Walden Pond with friends. He also found deep meaning in visits to St. Joseph’s Abbey in Spencer and Mepkin Abbey in South Carolina.

He is survived by hissister MaryAnn Paquette; brother Francis and his wife Evelyn; brother John Roland and his wife Anne; and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by brother Rene and his wife Frances; sister Priscilla Blanchette and her husband Gerald; brother Ronald and his wife Pauline; brother Donald; brother-in-law Dr. Charles Paquette.
His funeral was to be held on Thursday in the Chapel of the Holy Spirit, 500 Salisbury Street. Burial is to be in St. Anne Cemetery, Fiskdale. Donations in his name may be made to the Assumptionist Vocation Fund, 330 Market Street, Brighton, MA, 02135-2100.

Arrangements are under the direction of Sitkowski, Malboeuf & Hickey Funeral Home, 340 School Street, Webster.
websterfunerals.com