Joseph Gerard Pinard, 79 of Sylmar, California, died on Dec. 28, 2017. 

He was born on May 28, 1938, to Henri and Marie Ange (Laliberte) Pinard in Biddeford. He was educated in local schools. Gerard served six years in the U.S. Navy. 

On May 27, 1966, he married Jeannette Sullivan in New York, and together they had two children.  He worked for American Pretzel most of his life. He was well known for playing Santa under the Hollywood sign.

On Dec. 27, 1987, he married Juanita Druge and loved spending time with her. 

Gerard was preceded in death by: his parents; his wife, Juanita (2014); sister, Therese (1939); and brother, Leo Paul (2014).

Gerard is survived by: his son, Michael (Rachel) and their children, Sarah and Samuel, all from Suwanee, Georgia; and his daughter, Danielle (David) Early and their children, Gabriel, Natasha and Davis, all from Asheville, North Carolina. Also survived by his former wife, Jeannette of Hendersonville, North Carolina. And survived by: six brothers, Victor of Bangor, Ralph (Priscille) of Hollis Center, Albert (Diana), and Emile (Cathy), all of Biddeford, Renald (Judy) of Lyman, and Raymond (Denise) of Valencia, California;. two sisters: Pauline (Richard) Harris of Berwick, and Rita Gagnon of Saco; step-son Erwin (Jeannette) Hermann and their, children Sarah, Serena, Samantha and Sophia all of Santa Clarita, California. Gerard’s wife, Juanita lived with her son, Erwin after Gerard moved into Trudez Home Care Facility. Erwin and his family were very close to Gerard and continued to visit with him after his mother passed away. In addition, Gerard leaves behind many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Per Gerard’s request there was no service.