Gerald “Gerry” Henry Filiatrault

Gerald “Gerry” Henry Filiatrault, 84, of Duluth Township, passed away peacefully with family beside him on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at St. Luke’s Hospice following a long hospitalization. Gerry was born March 31, 1940, in Duluth to Henry and Mercedes Johnson Filiatrault. He attended St. James grade school and Cathedral High School graduating in 1958 from Denfeld High School. He often recounted tales of an adventurous childhood growing up in West Duluth. After high school, he studied vocal music at Julliard in New York for a year and later sang professionally in the Twin Cities. Music remained a life-long passion and he sang with the Duluth Symphony Chorus and other groups throughout the years. He was a graduate of the University of Minnesota Duluth and worked in real estate for much of his life. He also worked as a QRC. In his later years, he was employed by Trillium Services where he patiently assisted clients with daily activities. He was a former long-time member of Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Duluth where he served on the board for a number of years. He was an active member of Twin Ports Free Thinkers where he enjoyed the discussions and good friendships. He was a proud Democrat, followed the news closely, and loved to talk politics. Gerry celebrated his 49 years of sobriety and was a believer in and practitioner of the principles of Alcoholics Anonymous.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Mercedes, and brother and sister-in-law, Thomas and Sharon Filiatrault.

Gerry is survived by daughter, Lisa Filiatrault, beloved grandson, Joel Filiatrault and Joel’s father Joseph Ross; son, Evan Filiatrault; his children’s mother Anne Velasco; life partner, Marlene Wisuri and her family; sister, Jeanne (Terry) Filiatrault Laine; nieces and nephew Corinne Dawson (Mike Crocker) , John (Emily) Dawson and their daughter, Evelyn; Sarah (fiancé, Marshall Watson) Dawson.

Gerry had a zest for life and was always ready to engage in lively conversation. He treasured time spent on his island in Burntside Lake and took his morning coffee with gratitude for living with a view of Lake Superior. 

We wish to thank the doctors, nurses, and other staff of St. Luke’s Intensive Care Units, Cardiac Unit, Rehabilitation Unit, and Hospice and Ecumen Lakeshore for the excellent care provided Gerry during his challenging illness. Your kindness, patience, professional expertise, and concern are so appreciated. 

We will celebrate Gerry’s life at an informal gathering of family and friends on Saturday, June 8^th starting at 1:30 p.m. at the Duluth Township Hall, 6092 Homestead Road, Duluth, MN.