Gerald N. LaPierre M.D.

Dr. Gerald Neil LaPierre, beloved husband, father and grandfather, passed away in the comfort of his home, surrounded by his family on May 19th. He was born in Boston on Sept 6, 1937, the only child of William and Albina LaPierre. Gerry was a graduate of Boston Latin High School, Bates College and received his medical degree from Boston University. He served his residency at Hartford Hospital and was chief resident his last year. He then went into practice with Radiology and Imaging Group at Baystate Medical Center.
Gerry had a lot of passions including tennis, skiing and wine. For forty years he shared his passion of wine with a group of fellow enthusiasts as well as being involved in Taste a Vin club for many years. He was an avid traveler, supporter of the Boston and Springfield Symphony Orchestras, where he and his wife attended many wonderful symphony seasons. He also loved animals, especially dogs, opera and watching the Red Sox and Patriots. He was a member of the Field Club of Longmeadow for 44 years and served on their board.
His greatest joy was his family and friends. He was a devoted family man who loved life and always found the positive side in everything. He leaves his loving wife of nearly 59 years, Therese and their five children: William (Patricia), Brian (Donna), Karen Glass (Martin), Steven (Amy) and Glenn; and four grandchildren: Jeremy, Sarah Glass, and Caroline, Elizabeth LaPierre. He also leaves his brother-in-law Norman Boucher (Carmen), sister-in-in law Rachel Smalley as well as several nieces and nephews.
Throughout his long illness, Gerry was always the eternal optimist and continued to enjoy life to the fullest. He traveled the world but was always hoping for “one more trip” and especially loved visiting his “paradise”, as he called it, Mt. Snow. Other favorites were Sedona and the Costa del Sol in Spain.
The family would like to thank the nursing staff on the 7th floor cardiac unit at Baystate, the nurses and aides at Baystate Visiting Nurse Association and Hospice and Pioneer Valley Homecare.
His family will receive friends at Forestiere Smith Funeral Home at 220 Main St, East Longmeadow on Thursday, May 24, 4:00 – 7:00pm. The funeral is on Friday, May 25, 11:00am directly at St. Mary’s at 519 Longmeadow St, Longmeadow. Burial will follow at Longmeadow Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, you may donate at Springfield Symphony Orchestra, 1441 Main St, suite 121, Springfield 01103; Baystate VNA and Hospice, 50 Maple St, Springfield 01102; Baystate Heart and Vascular Program, 759 Chestnut St, Springfield 01199.