LUDLOW – Gerald L. “Jerry” LaCroix, 81, of Keystone Commons in Ludlow and a former longtime resident of Boileau Terrace in Chicopee, was Called Safely Home on Tuesday, June 20, 2023. He passed into Eternal Life at home surrounded by the care and comfort of his loving family and his wonderful caregivers. He was born in Holyoke on September 28, 1941, a beloved son of the late Leo J. and Cecile P. (Boucher) LaCroix. He lived in was raised in Chicopee, graduated from Chicopee High School and lived in Chicopee for most of his life. Jerry served in the Army National Guard for many years. He was the co-owner and operator of the former LaCroix’s Market on Chicopee Street in the Willimansett section of Chicopee. After the closing of the family market, he was employed in the Culinary Department at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst. He was a communicant of Saint Anne Church in Chicopee. He was a member of the American Bosch Retirees Club and the Holyoke Senior Center. Following his retirement, Jerry and his wife, Cathy, enjoyed traveling to Florida and avoiding the cold New England weather as snowbirds. Above all, he loved spending time with his loving family and his many dear friends. He was predeceased by his beloved wife and best friend, Catherine C. “Cathy” (Hardaker) LaCroix who was Called Home on April 24, 2017. They were married on October 12, 1966 at Blessed Sacrament Church in Holyoke and were blessed with over 50 years of happiness together. He leaves his three loving daughters, Lisa A. McGrath and her husband, John, of West Sand Lake, NY, Linda M. Rentsch and her husband, Jeff, of Northampton and Kathleen C. Hein and her husband, David, of Palmer; his five cherished grandchildren whom he adored, Courtney A. McGrath and Zachary M. McGrath, Tristan A. Rentsch and Alyssa C. Hein and Nicolas L. Hein; his three dear sisters in law, Claire LaCroix of Chicopee, Carol Devine of Clever, MO and Jeanne M. Lamothe of Chicopee; and his many dear nephews, nieces, cousins, extended family members and numerous friends. In addition to his parents and wife, he was predeceased by his dear brother, William “Bill” LaCroix; and his dear sister, Elaine Hamelin and her husband, Gerald. His family would like to thank the excellent staff at Keystone Commons who were like a second family to him for their care and comfort. His family will receive friends on Sunday, June 25, 2023 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the St. Pierre-Phaneuf Fairview Chapels, (413-533-3307), 506 Britton Street, Chicopee, MA 01020. The funeral home parking lot is located in the rear. His Funeral will be held on Monday, June 26, 2023 beginning at 9:30 a.m. with a Prayer Service at 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home. His Burial will follow the Prayer Service at Saint Jerome Cemetery, 1666 Northampton Street, Holyoke, MA 01040. For those who prefer, his family requests that memorial donations be made in his memory to Stand Up to Parkinson’s, P.O. Box 137, Clifton Park, NY 12065. For more details, please visit: www.stpierrephaneuf.com