Gerard Henri Deguise

Gerard “Jack” Henri Deguise passed away peacefully on August 9th, 2016 in Fort Myers, Florida after bravely battling cancer for the past eight months. Jack’s loving wife of 49 years, Nancy, was by his side, along with his brother, Bob and sister-in-law, Barbara. Jack was born in Franklin NH, 77 years ago on June 9th, 1939. He was the son of Gerard Joseph Deguise and Eva Clara Masse, and nephew/cousin/grandson to a large, first generation French family that originated in Quebec. Jack was a wonderful, loving husband and the proud father of two sons. He grew up in Franklin, NH and lived in the area most of his life as an active member of the community. Jack and Nancy moved to the Fort Myers area of Florida in 2008. Jack attended St. Mary’s Catholic grammar school in Franklin and Franklin High School. He made his mark in dramatics and also played basketball in high school. He had a beautiful red and white 1955 Ford Fairlane that he treasured when he was a young man. Jack was a veteran of the US Navy, spending four years in the service of our country in Europe on the high seas, first on the ship Denebola and then on the Mississinewa. He also spent part of his Navy years at Guantanamo Bay. Jack earned an Associate Degree in Business from Franklin Pierce College. He worked for Camp’s Hardware in Franklin before joining Oak Laminates for a successful career managing production and sales of circuit boards during the peak growth period for High Tech in New England. Later in his career Jack spent many years in the sand and gravel business managing daily operations and dispatch for Pikes, Tilcon and Pembroke/Merrill Construction. Jack’s proudest life achievement was as a husband and a father, working with his wife, Nancy to provide a safe and loving home life for their family in the same little town where he himself grew up. Jack and Nancy retired to Florida in 2008 and continued to enjoy golf, the beach, car shows, an occasional casino visit and never ending home projects. Along with cousin Armand and his wife, Sondra, they made many new friends to include in their Florida family. His sister, Cecile cherishes the memory of many Christmas celebrations with Jack and his family in Franklin. His brothers, Bob and Paul are grateful for the time they spent together working on each other’s homes, giving them all the opportunity to cross out items on their respective Honey Do lists. Jack is survived by his beloved wife Nancy of Florida; his son Randy of Seattle WA; his son Kevin and daughter-in-law, Tracy of San Francisco. Jack is survived by his sister, Cecile Lockwood of Northfield NH; his brother Paul and wife Gail of Franklin NH; his brother Bob and wife Barbara of Amherst NH; along with many nieces and nephews who loved Uncle Jack and will miss him dearly – Brenda Lee Lockwood, Earl Lockwood, Lee-Anne and Dan Gregg, Paul, Lisa and Tom Kessler, and all the grand-nieces and nephews. Jack also leaves his mother-in-law, Ethel Magoon and his brother-in-law, Bobby Magoon. Florida arrangements have been provided by the Gendron Funeral Home in Fort Myers, FL. Their website is available for those wishing to express condolences and fond memories of Jack. Services will be held at NH Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen, NH in late August. Please refer to the Gendron web site for updated information. Family and friends are welcome to attend and join a celebration of Jack’s life. In lieu of flowers, Nancy asks that those wishing to honor Jack’s memory please make a modest donation in his name to one of the following: Promises Hospital at 3050 Champion Ring Road in Fort Myers, FL who gently cared for Jack through the end of his illness; Cancer Specialists of Florida at 15681 New Hampshire Ct. in Fort Myers, FL who helped Jack bravely battle his disease; or the VA Hospital on Diplomat Road in Cape Coral, FL who stood by him as a veteran of US military service. Services are being held on Tuesday August 23, 2016 at the New Hampshire Veteran's Cemetery 110 Daniel Webster Hwy, Boscawen, New Hampshire 03303. All family and friends are welcome to attend the services.

Gerard Henri Deguise

June 9, 1939 - August 9, 2016