ALFRED — Gerard J. Thibodeau, 73, of Alfred, died Nov. 11 at the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House in Scarborough, after a lengthy illness.

He was born in Biddeford on June 27, 1941, the son of Julien N. and Rose (Camire) Thibodeau.

He attended Biddeford parochial schools and was a graduate of St. Louis High School.

After graduating, he went to work for Delorge Bakery in Biddeford for several years. He then enlisted in the U.S. Air Force where he proudly served from 1963-67. After his discharge, he went to work for Baker Company in Sanford. where he was employed for 37 years, retiring in 2005.

A devout Catholic, he was a communicant of St. Thérèse of Lisieux Parish in Sanford. He was a third- and fourth-degree member of the Knights of Columbus in Sanford-Springvale, and was a member of the fourth-degree ceremonial color guard.

In his retirement, he volunteered several times a week at the Sanford Soup Kitchen.

He was preceded in death by: his wife, Helene (Fortin) Thibodeau.

Survivors include: five brothers, Gerald A. Thibodeau and his wife Sylvia of Warm Springs, Georgia, Robert L. Thibodeau and his wife Rachel, Richard A. Thibodeau and his wife Nancy, all of Biddeford, Paul R. Thibodeau and his wife Pauline, and Rene M. Thibodeau, all of Woonsocket, Rhode Island; and many nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to call on Thursday from 4-8 p.m. at the Lafrance-Lambert & Black Funeral Home, 29 Winter St., Sanford. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Friday at 10 a.m. at St. Thérèse of Lisieux Parish, Holy Family Church, 66 North Ave. in Sanford. Burial will be in St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Biddeford. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the Cancer Care Center of York County, 27 Industrial Ave., Sanford, ME 04073; or Hospice of Southern Maine, 180 U.S. Route 1, Suite 1, Scarborough, ME 04074. Arrangements are under the direction of Black Funeral Homes & Cremation Service, Sanford-Springvale. Condolences may be expressed at www.blackfuneralhomes.com.