ST. DAVID – Joel L. Gervais, 73, passed away unexpectedly March 2, 2013, at his home. He was born Aug. 25, 1939, in St. David, son of the late Leonard and Cecile (Daigle) Gervais.

He was a member of Madawaska Fire Department from 1954 until illness prevented him from taking part in the early 1980s. He owned and operated Gervais Store with his wife, Charlene, since Jan. 1, 1964, a job he truly loved. He enjoyed spending time at his camp on Cross Lake. In his younger years, he enjoyed snowmobiling and fishing.

He is survived by his wife of 49 and a half years, Charlene Doucette Gervais of St. David; two daughters, Debra Ann Gervais, M.D., of Chestnut Hill, Mass., and Donna Lee Gyorda and her husband, Andrew, of Hampton Falls, N.H.; two grandchildren, Joseph and Kristen Gyorda of Hampton Falls, N.H.; one sister, Ursula Johnston and her husband, Gary, of Caribou and Florida; one brother, Ronald Gervais and his wife, Rolande, of St. David; many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his twin siblings shortly after birth, Antonin and Antonine.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 10 a.m. Tuesday, March 5, at St. Agathe Church. Family and friends may call 6-8 p.m. Monday and 8 a.m. until time of service Tuesday at Lajoie Funeral Home. Spring interment will be held in the parish cemetery. For online condolences, please visit www.lajoiefuneralhome.com.