Stephen L. Gervais, Sr. Print E-mail

 

Stephen L. Gervais, Sr.


 Beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother; President of Gervais Ford in Ayer;
 
Stephen L. Gervais, 77, of Lowell, a well known Greater Lowell businessman, died Thursday, January 15th at his home with his loving family by his side.
 He was the beloved husband of Maureen R. (Reardon) Gervais, who survives him, and with whom he recently celebrated their 48th wedding anniversary on August 13, 2014.
 Born in Lowell, Massachusetts, October 14, 1937, the son of the late John J. Gervais, Sr. and the late Margaret (Reynolds) Gervais, he attended the Immaculate Conception School and was a graduate of Lowell High School in the Class of 1955. He then went on to attend Lowell Commercial College, and proudly served his country in the 187th Army Reserve Unit Infantry Brigade. 
 Steve started an automobile business with his brothers in 1961 following his military service, and sold many different brands in Ayer, Billerica and Lowell. For most of his career he served as President of Gervais Ford in Ayer and had worked in the automobile industry for over 53 years.
 A lifelong communicant of the Immaculate Conception Church in Lowell, he was active with his parish, having served on the Immaculate Conception Finance Committee and was a Past Chairman and current member of the ICS Golf Tournament Committee.
 Among his many activities and accomplishments, he was past President of the Ayer, Harvard and Shirley Rotary Club, the Nashoba Valley Chamber of Commerce, and was a board member of Nashoba Deaconess Hospital. He was also a former board member of the North Middlesex Savings Bank, the New England Ford Dealers Council, the Devens Enterprise Commission and AUSA (Association of the U.S. Army).
 A former member of the Board of Trustees of Saints Medical Center, he was a longtime member of Vesper Country Club where he also served on the Executive Committee. He was also a member of both Long Meadow Golf Club and the Lanam Club in Andover.
 A humble and private supporter of his church and his community, Steve never sought recognition for his efforts, but was nonetheless honored with the first ever Immaculate Conception Distinguished Alumni Award, the Lowell Catholic High School Bishop McNamara Award, the Archdiocese of Boston Cheverus Award and several other accolades from the Nashoba Valley Chamber of Commerce.
 In addition to his wife Maureen, Mr. Gervais is survived by three sons Stephen L. Gervais, Jr. and his wife Alison (Fisher) of Lowell, MA, Michael D. Gervais and his wife Samantha (Andersen) of Ayer, MA and John F. Gervais and his wife Jennifer (Brennan) of Groton, MA; six grandchildren, Catherine and James of Lowell, Sophia and Olivia of Ayer and Jacqueline and Jacob of Groton; two step-grandchildren Taylor and Joseph Panarelli of Ayer; two sisters Janet (Gervais) Reilly of Peterborough, NH and Judith (Gervais) Pfeiffer and her husband Melvin of Amherst, NH; a brother, Robert V. Gervais and his wife Ann (Reilly) of Lowell; sisters-in-law Norma (Kenyon) Gervais of Chelmsford, and  Eleanor (Reardon) Sullivan, of Lowell; a brother-in-law James F. Reardon of Dracut, MA; a cousin Paul Gervais and his partner, Gil Cohen of Lucca, Italy; and many nieces, nephews and dear friends.
 He was also brother of the late John J. Gervais, Jr., Phillip Gervais and David Gervais and brother-in-law of the late David A. Reilly and the late Miriam (O’Brien) Gervais. 
 
Friends may call at the O’DONNELL FUNERAL HOME 276 PAWTUCKET ST. at Fletcher from 2 to 7 P.M. Monday. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Funeral Mass on Tuesday morning at the IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CHURCH (lower church) in Lowell at 11 o’clock. Burial in St. Mary Cemetery in Tewksbury. E-condolences/directions at www.odonnellfuneralhome.com. Those wishing may make memorial contributions in Steve’s honor to the Immaculate Conception Church Building Fund, 3 Fayette St, Lowell, MA 01852 or the D’Youville Foundation, 981 Varnum Ave, Lowell, MA 01854 or Circle Home Health & Hospice, 336 Central St, Lowell, MA 01852. Arrangements by Funeral Directors James F. O’Donnell, Jr. and John W. Crane (978 or 866) 458-8768. 

 

Condolences (22)
  • Rick Place  - Putnam Ford
    To The Gervais Family, So sorry to hear of Steve's passing. I had the utmost respect for him as a person and a Ford Dealer. As a young dealer and son of a Ford Dealer, Steve always took the time to talk shop and discuss family with me. He was a leader and a true gentlemen and I am proud to have known him. My late Father George and him always were friends. He will be sorely missed by us all!
  • Mabel Sawyer  - So sorry
    Dear Maureen: Jack and I are so saddened by your loss of Steve. He was such a gentleman and so genuinely good. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Jack and Mabel Sawyer
  • Elizabeth Kegley  - Merrimack Repertory Theatre
    Everyone at MRT sends our condolences to the Gervais family. Mr. Gervais was a wonderful, generous, and humble man, and our thoughts are with all of you.
  • Bonnie and John Biocchi
    To Maureen, and all the Gervais family, Steve was a rare individual...motivated by kindness, full of integrity and always a true gentleman. Steve never failed to show compassion to all and was a great sounding board to many. he was a terrific Dad and instilled the same values of hard work and honesty in his children. He will be deeply missed! May God bless each of you in your grief and may you know the warm comfort of His love as well as the deep peace of wonderful memories. Blessings to you all.
  • Bob Durand  - To the Gervais Family
    Maureen and Family, I will always remember Steve's support throughout the years when i was running for State Senate. He was a True Gentleman that never asked for himself but rather for others! Please know that our families thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.Sincerely, Bob Durand
  • Mike and Kelly Noble  - Thoughts and Prayers go out to the family
    Though we only knew Steve for a few short years it was easy to feel that the world was a better place with him in it. He was one of the classiest gentlemen we've ever had the honor to meet.
  • Nashoba club, Ayer Mass  - Define Steve
    Back in the 50,s and early 60's, I lived on Central Avenue in Ayer. Just up the street, next to Spruce Service, was a small garage (now Central Ave. Auto Repair). This little spot, with a little parking lot, was the venture of two men from Lowell. Thus became Gervais Dodge, the dream of a car dealership with Steve and Jack leading the charge. Jack was the face of the business, with his cool demeanor, and his smooth talking. Young Steve, was the money man, the the accountant, the one with the word. I remember going with my parents to buy their first ever bran new car, a Dodge 440, with the shifts on the dash, and push buttons for shifting. This 1964 Dodge purchase ($2000) was the beginning of a life long relationship with the Gervais family. The Gervais family was like the Rakips, lots of them and now a bad one in the bunch. It was the 24 year old, mild mannered Steve, that grew the Gervais business into the local giant that it is today. The family left their little confines on Central Ave, and moved the traffic circle, as they purchased the Feltus Pontiac garage from the Feltus family. With this purchase they turned it into the biggest and most respected Ford dealership in the Nashoba Valley. It was Steve, the mild mannered unassuming, soft spoken, humble man, that led the charge as he moved along he built networking and relationships unparalleled, by any other leader in the area. He served the town of Ayer, its committees, and its financial and medical institutions, while raising a family and serving the city of Lowell at the same time. His greatest attribute was his WORD, never to be denied, always to be kept, a straight shooter with a perfect aim. If you define honesty, integrity, caring and love, you define Steve. Here's to the memories, Bobby Rakip.
  • John and Laurie Smigelski  - From our hearts
    We send our love. With a sight, smell or sound he will be ever present.
  • Andy St. James  - Ford Motor Company
    Dear Maureen and family: My sincere sympathy on Steve's passing. One word which encapsulates all his qualities shared so generously, "CLASS"!
  • Maryse Tate  - To The Gervais Family
    My self and family are so very sorry to hear of the passing of Steve. He was such a wonderful gentleman and true friend of all he knew. My Dad Jim Tate worked for Steve "and said he never knew a better person." He will be truly missed by all.
  • Mike and Nancy Kickham  - To Maureen and family
    So sorry to hear of Steve's passing--as mentioned previously he was a true gentleman. I always enjoyed my Ford Contacts. He had a way of making you feel important---giving one his undivided attention. I recall joining you both on Ford trips and Nancy and I enjoyed it to the fullest. Thanks for the memories and God Bless you all.
  • gfrederick603@comcast.net
    Sorry to hear about your loss of Stephen. Please accept my deepest condolences to you and all of the family.
  • Jack Gavin  - Ford Motor Credit Company
    Sincerest condolence to the entire Gervais family. I was proud to consider Steve as a friend and colleague. I had known Steve for about 30 years working for Ford Motor Credit and he was a man with a great sense of humor, charitable, business acumen and humility. He was a true gentleman in every sense of the word who loved his family deeply. He will be truly missed.
  • gfrederick603@comcast.net
    S sorry to hear about your loss of Stephen.Please except my sincere sympathy to you and all your family.
  • Mark & Mary Wexler  - Regional Manager - Ford Motor Company
    A Gentleman among gentlemen! It was always an honor to be in your company. Our symathies to the Gervais family who most certainly have lost a wonderful man! I'm a better person for having spent time with Steve! God speed!
  • Bill & Martha a Dean
    May God Bless you and your family during this time of sorrow!
  • Ricky "Falcon" Kierce  - Very Sorry For Your Loss
    To all of the Gervais Family, I am truly sorry for your loss of such a True Gentleman. I first met Stephen when I was working at Vesper, and I had great respect for him. He was a down to earth gentleman. For his sons, that I got to know, Michael, Stephen, and John, my Prayers are with you now and forever. God Bless You All. Sincerely, The Falcon
  • Marilyn Campbell  - Deepest Sympathy
    Dear Maureen & Family Gil and I are so sorry to hear about Steve's passing . He was such a gentleman , he will be truly missed. I close my eyes and I can see that wonderful smile. You are in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless, Gil and Marilyn
  • Alicia and Larry Guinee
    Dear Maureen, We were so sorry to hear the news tonight. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. We know Steve will be welcomed in heaven!With sincere sympathy, Alicia and Larry
  • Debbie and Tom McLaughlin  - With Deepest Sympathy
    Maureen and family, Steve was such a wonderful neighbor to not only my Mom throughout all these years but to all of us, the O'Donnell children, who grew up knowing he was watching out for all of us across the street. His kind and gentle manner will be deeply missed. Our love goes out to you all and know that we will keep a close eye out for your Mom! Love, Debbie and Tommy McLaughlin and family
  • Jim And Anne Santoro  - Dear Garvais Family
    We were sadden to hear of Mr Garvais passing. He was a true gentleman and will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers will be with the entire Garvais family during this difficult time. Sincerely, Jim and Anne Santoro
  • George Torosian, Ford Credit  - To The Gervais Family-
    My deepest sympathy to all on Steve's passing. I had the pleasure of calling on Steve as a customer for more than 12 years as his Ford Credit representative. I will always remember him as a sincere and classy gentlemen who took a genuine interest in his employees and customers. Steve was a pillar in the community who built his legacy on trust, honesty and integrity. He will be missed. Regards-
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