Gilbert Picard

Gilbert Picard passed into eternal life on Sunday, September 8, 2024; 10 days prior to his 93rd birthday.  Predeceased by his loving wife of 55 years Muriel, née Boucher. He is survived by his son John (Julie) Picard; daughters Diane Picard, and Sue (Jim) Brekovsky, 7 grandchildren Brianna (Lucas), Lindsey (fiancé Tim), Michael (Kaitlyn), Rachel (Douglas), Ryan (Katie a.k.a. Porkchop), Andrew, Adam; and 3 great-grandchildren Elliotte, Camden, and Alexander.  Gil was the oldest of 10 siblings – Father Patrice, Laurier (France), Real (Marcelle), Marie-Mai (Elide), Alyre (Lucille), Hugette (Georges), Maurice (Jean), Lorraine (Ronald), Gisele (Gilles) and many nieces and nephews.  

He was a devoted husband and father, he served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War, he worked for the Eastman Kodak company for over 35 years, he followed his passion for flying and earned his private pilot license and flew often. A highlight of his later life was participating in Honor Flight Mission #49 and subsequently greeting returning veterans on many future Honor Flights. He had a quirky dry sense of humor (which not many people got!) and entertained us for many years.  

Gilbert’s visitation will be held Thursday (September 12th) 4:00-7:00 PM  at Vay-Schleich & Meeson Funeral Home, 1075 Long Pond Road.  His Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday (September 13th) at 10:00 at St. John the Evangelist Church, 2400 West Ridge Road.  Entombment will be held in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery immediately following the service.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Honor Flight Rochester, Inc. PO Box 23581, Rochester, NY 14692 or visit their website at honorflightrochester.org. or The National Warplane Museum in Geneseo, NY in his memory.