1944-2021
POMFRET– Jerome (Jerry) U. Ethier, 76, died Wednesday evening, January 27, 2021 at Westview Healthcare Center following a ten-year battle with Parkinson’s Disease. He was the loving husband of Diane (Morrissette) Ethier for 47 years. Born in Putnam, he was the son of the late Urbain and Lucille (Bouthillier) Ethier.
Jerry grew up in Putnam and graduated from St. Mary’s School and Marianapolis Preparatory School. He served as a Personnel Services technician in the U.S. Air Force from 1965 to 1971, earning the rank of Staff Sergeant.
Jerry’s childhood interest in aviation and construction shaped his life’s work and experiences. In the 70’s and early 80’s he worked at Metal Mast Marine in Putnam as a ship’s carpenter and maintenance mechanic and at J. Gibson McIlvain Lumber in Danielson as a millwork foreman and operations mechanic.
Jerry then worked as a self-employed tradesman in residential construction and design. His biggest project was designing and building his dream house for his family. Years of research, planning, hard work and creativity led to an earth-sheltered, passive solar, post and beam masterpiece.
When he was fifty, Jerry started taking flying lessons to fulfill a life-long dream of becoming a private pilot. He earned his pilot’s license, bought a 1946 Taylorcraft airplane, and decided to go back to school. He enrolled in The School of Aircraft Maintenance at Harvard H. Ellis Regional Vocational Technical School. Jerry received his certification in the Airframe and Power Plant Course in 2001.
Jerry was a loving husband, father and grandfather who will be sadly missed. He was a true jack-of-all-trades, always willing to help family and friends with all types of projects. Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Diane; his sons, Neal Ethier and his wife Amy of Woodstock and Daniel Ethier and his wife Heather of Plainfield; and grandchildren Emma, Ava, Caroline and Samuel. Jerry was predeceased by his granddaughter Ella Mae Ethier.
The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Westview for their compassionate and loving care over the last two years.
A celebration of life will be held at a later time. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Gilman Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam. For memorial guestbook please visit www.GilmanAndValade.com.
KATHLEEN Zamagni
Diane, I am so sorry to read of Jerry’s death. Please accept my heartfelt condolences. I know that you have been devoted to his care, and hope that you will find strength in family at this very sad time.
Paula Fins
Sounds like he had a full and productive life. May his memory be for a blessing.
Steve and Gayle Voorhees
Jerry forever will be in our memories as a beloved father and grandfather.
We are grateful for the opportunity to have become part of Jerry’s extended family through the sharing of his son and grandchildren; they will always be a reminder of his kind, thoughtful, and innovative spirit.
Jeanne Morascini
To Diane and family,
I was saddened to learn of the death of your beloved husband and father and send my thoughts and prayers that you will be sustained in the days ahead with memories of happy times together. Jerry will live in your hearts and minds always
Fondly, Jeanne Morascini Theta Chapter
Millie ramsey
Diane, Your husband was a very talented and adventurous man. What wonderful memories you must all have . Praying for your comfort at this difficult time. Millie Ramsey
Merry and John Burke
So sorry to hear ofJerrys passing
We will miss him on COONEY Road
He was always caring, helpful and friendly
Our sincere condolences
Marc Brais
Diane ,Neal, Danny and family. It is with great sadness to hear about Jerome’s passing. He was truly a remarkable man with all his accomplishments. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during these difficult times.
Steve and Cheryl Champ
First….let me extend sincere condolences to Diane, Neal, Danny, and the extended family from our entire family here on Cooney Rd. Jerry was a valued and loyal neighbor for decades to us and my brother Rich…who was Jerry’s age and a little older than me. He exuded warmth and a sense of calm. The man could do anything. My best memory of Jerry was a late summer day when Jerry, me, and Rich sat outside his house just talking while surrounded by hummingbirds feeding above our heads at all the feeders Jerry and Diane had hung near the house……………and the homemade plum wine. My heart breaks …..,,rest in peace Jerry.
Steve Champ
We are so sad to hear about Jerry passing. Cheryl and I offer our sincerest condolences to Diane, Neal, and Danny, and the extended family. Jerry was a warm and loyal friend to us here on Cooney Rd………we were some of the first folks to build on what was then just a dirt road, and not a good one either ! My brother Rich who was Jerry’s age and has passed away 8 years ago, and myself, would go up to that Gem of a house to visit from time to time………and on one beautiful late summer afternoon we sat outside the house under what seemed like a swarm of hummingbirds feeding from the feeders Diane and Jerry had hung up over our chairs……..and sip some homemade plum wine from Jerry’s trees. A light has gone out for now, but his memory will shine again soon. Our love to the family. Steve and Cheryl Champ.