Gerald J. Bourgeois, 74, of Templeton, died peacefully on Monday, March 2, 2026, at the Life Care Center of Leominster, following a period of declining health.

Born in Minto, New Brunswick, Canada, on July 12, 1951, he was the son of the late Cloris and Azelie (LeBlanc) Bourgeois. Jerry dedicated 30 years of his life to working as a truck driver for Seaman Paper Company before his retirement.

Jerry was a devoted parishioner of Annunciation Parish and an active member of the Acadien Social Club of Gardner, where he greatly enjoyed the camaraderie and friendships he shared. He found joy in taking local trips to play Queen of Hearts or Keno, and on occasion trying his luck at Mohegan Sun. Jerry loved spending time in his pool and took great pride in caring for his home and yard, especially when it came to yard work. Above all, Jerry's greatest happiness came from his family. He treasured every moment spent together and especially cherished the laughter and memories made with his grandchildren.

Jerry is survived by his beloved wife, Linda M. (Palmieri) (Walker) Bourgeois of Templeton; two children, Wade Bourgeois of Athol and Amanda Belliveau and her husband, Rich, of Hubbardston; two stepchildren, William Walker Jr. and his wife, Amanda, of Leominster and Melissa Howard and her husband, DJ, of Templeton; nine grandchildren, Shi-Ann and Samantha Bourgeois, Peyton Belliveau, Dominic, Cameron, and Zachary Howard, Eric and Evan Walker, and Angel Girardi; a sister, Marguerite Doiron and her husband, Ted, of New Brunswick, Canada; as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins, and a best friend Ovila (OJ) Johnson of Gardner.

He was predeceased by his brother, Raymond LeBlanc, and two sisters, Maria Gaudet and Pauline Allain.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 21, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Colonial Hotel, 625 Betty Spring Road, Gardner, MA.

Graveside Services will be held at St. John's Cemetery, West Street, Gardner, MA in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that memorial contributions be made to Acadien Social Club Scholarship Fund, 193 Parker Street, Gardner, MA 01440. Please reference in memory of Gerald J. Bourgeois.