Obituary of Gerald J Doiron

Dr. Gerald J. Doiron died peacefully at home with his family by his side in Harpswell on November 5, 2015. Dr. Doiron was born in Jay, ME in 1929 to Ernest J Doiron and Claudia (Richard) Doiron, one of ten children. The family moved to Brunswick, ME in 1942 when his father was employed at the Bath Iron Works. Gerald graduated from St John school in 1945, and Brunswick High school in 1949. Dr. Doiron attended the University of Maine in Orono in 1949 for two years at which time he enlisted in the United States Navy for four years during the Korean War. He married Therese A. Michaud in August of 1954. Upon his discharge, he returned to the University of Maine and received his BA in 1957. He then received a Graduate Assistantship from the University of Rhode Island where he received his MA degree in 1959 and completed work for his Ph.D. at Boston University in 1971. Dr. Doiron was predeceased by his parents and his sister Eva Thibeault of Pico Rivera, CA. He is survived by his loving wife and helpmate Therese A (Michaud) Doiron, a helpmate of 61 years in his evolving career path, and his four children Patricia A. McDermott from Newburyport, MA, Dennis G. Doiron and his wife Lauryl (Allerdt) Doiron from Phippsburg, ME, Marie Maltzie and husband John from Franklin, NH, Peter T. Doiron and wife Debra from North Smithfield, RI, and granddaughter Katelyn Murphy from Franklin, NH. He is also survived by his two brothers, France and his wife Roberta (Giroux) Doiron of Chula Vista, CA, and Edmond Doiron of Rumford, ME. He is also survived by his six sisters, Theresa Smith of Woburn, MA, Esther Richard from Weston, VT, Noella Beaulieu and husband George from New Smyrna, FL, Evelyn Chandler and husband Paul from Carlisle, PA, Louise Prather from High Point, NC, and Laurette Favor from Jackson, CA. In addition, Dr. Doiron is survived by his uncle Patrice Doiron of Brunswick and many cousins, nieces and nephews. Following his graduation from the University of Rhode Island in 1959 he was employed at Bridgewater State College where he started as an assistant professor in history in 1959 and became a Professor of History in 1973. He served as Chairman of the History department from 1987 until his retirement in 1997. He served as Chairman of the Planning Board in the city of Taunton, MA and was instrumental in completing that city's five year plan. He returned to Maine in 2003 and has resided in Harpswell in his retirement. While at Bridgewater State College he served on the faculty council, and was Chairman of the curriculum committee from 1973 to 1977 when major changes were made in the college curriculum. He also represented the college in several state conferences and was president of the college chapter of the Association of American University Professors from 1973 to 1978. He was initiated into the History Honors society Phi Alpha Theta, Alpha Omega chapter at the University of Rhode Island and was a member of the political science honor society Pi Sigma Alpha. He initiated a chapter of the history honor society at Bridgewater State College in 1966 and served as faculty adviser until 1994 and helped to establish a chapter of the political science honors society Pi Sigma Alpha in 1991. His hobby was reading, and learning to cook from his talented wife. Special reading interest included 18th and 19th century naval warfare as well as his major field of Imperialism in the 19th and 20th century. Gerry was an intelligent, witty, and gentle man loved by many and will be missed by his family and friends. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to CHANS Hospice Care 60 Baribeau Dr., Brunswick, ME 04011.