Rioux, Gerard X., Jr.

Fairport NY, Cumming GA, Gloucester MA: Passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 19, 2020 at the age of 91. He is survived by his wife of 66 years Marie D. Rioux, sister Priscilla Cunningham of Gloucester MA., children Gerard X. Rioux III (Kathy Peck Rioux), Karen R Felker (John Felker), Rene’ R. Wimer (Daniel Wimer), 6 Grandchildren and 7 Great Grandchildren. A Celebration of Life Mass will be held at Church of the Assumption, Fairport, at a later date. To read more about Gerard and his family, visit keenanfuneralhomes.com.

Gerard X Rioux Jr (or Jeff as he preferred to be called) was born December 5th, 1928. Jeff grew up in Gloucester MA the son of a fisherman Gerard X. Rioux and Mother Amelia Flores Rioux. He had a brother Eddie and a sister Priscilla. He graduated from Gloucester High School and soon after joined the Marines. After Serving his country, Jeff attended college at Villanova University where he met the love of his life Marie DiValerio. They were married and soon after started a family in Pennsylvania. They had three children, Gerard III, Karen and Rene’. Jeff was a salesman at heart and worked for Stanley Tool company while in PA. He moved the family to Annapolis MD. He then went to work for Xerox Corporation and moved the family to Fairport NY in 1969 where he became a Branch Sales Manager for Xerox for many years. After his children graduated from high school and after his time at Xerox, Jeff moved to Connecticut for a few years then resided Atlanta, Georgia for many years before moving back to Fairport in 2012. Grandfather of 6 beautiful grandchildren: Emily, Lindsay, Andrea, Courtney, Geoffrey and Gerard IV. Great Grandfather of 7 cherished great grandchildren: Evelyn, Clark, Gerard V, Zachary, John, Harper and Charlotte.

Jeff had a passion for everything he did, be it at work or play. He was an avid tennis player and forever a sailor. You would often find him sailing on his boat ‘AwEsome’ on Lake Linier in Georgia. Jeff was most proud of his marriage and his family. Jeff enjoyed large family gatherings and all of the kids being around.  He married the girl of his dreams and together they grew an amazing family tree! Jeff lived a long, full and wonderful life. His family will miss him dearly, but are thankfully for the amazing Husband, Father, Grandfather and Great Grandfather that God gave them.


Comments

11 responses to “Rioux, Gerard X., Jr.”

  1. Don Zimmerman Avatar
    Don Zimmerman

    Jeff was a great guy and friend. Worked with him back in the 70s at the Rochester Xerox office

  2. Helene Weathers Avatar
    Helene Weathers

    Jeff was such a kind, loving person. My late husband, Larry Weathers, and I enjoyed spending memorable times with Jeff and Marie, especially talking about their years at Villanova. So sorry to the entire Rioux family. Jeff will be missed.

    1. René’ Rioux Wimer Avatar
      René’ Rioux Wimer

      My Dad talked about you and Larry many, many times and always with a smile and a chuckle.

      1. Helene Weathers Avatar
        Helene Weathers

        Please send your mother my love

    2. Karen Felker Avatar
      Karen Felker

      I remember visiting you with my parents several years back. Larry, Mike Holmes and Dad just lived and breathed Villanova! Dad can’t believe he lived to see the basketball team win two National championships. I’m sure the three of them are having a fabulous reunion ❤️

  3. René’ Rioux Wimer Avatar
    René’ Rioux Wimer

    Dad loved his days at Xerox. He always told me he had the greatest team!

  4. Jim Mahan Avatar
    Jim Mahan

    I had the honor and pleasure of working with Jeff at Xerox in the 1970’s. He was a great guy and a tremendous influence on many of us during that period. My best to Marie and the family and condolences for your loss. I’m sure he’ll be missed.

  5. suzanne edlund Avatar
    suzanne edlund

    My husband Jim works with Jeff at Xerox. Marie and I went to Canada on a trip when the guys were gone somewhere. Jim passed away at 65 -7 years ago. Im sorry for your loss. These were great guys and aways had a smile on there faces. I have a summer home on Lake Keuka in the finger lakes. If you are in Rochester during the summer call me Marie. phone 239-398-0224

  6. Richard (Dick) Zoller Avatar
    Richard (Dick) Zoller

    As Rene stated above, Jeff had the best team for one reason, he was a superb manager. Understanding, firm and above all, he cared for each one of us. The word “team” was his motto and each of us assisted those who might be having a tough time. In the early 70’s, due to Jeff, the entire team was awarded President’s Club – what a guy!! Personally, Jeff and was a mentor, and with Marie, friends enjoying dinners, friendship and “Summer Streak” I can honestly state Jeff helped me to a fuller life at Xerox and beyond by teaching me to set standards and work to them. Always remembered.

  7. DOnna Sklar Avatar
    DOnna Sklar

    I am so very sorry for your loss of the wonderful, loving, happy person that Jeff was. I don’t get the daily paper and did not hear of his death until today, May 10.. We had many fun filled days with him and Marie on Southcross Trail. He was a dear friend, and the world will miss having him around! God bless all of you as you go through this sad time! Donna Sklar and family

    1. René’ Rioux Wimer Avatar
      René’ Rioux Wimer

      Donna we have been thinking about you. Did not know if you were still in Florida. Mom is doing well, all things considered. Dad’s passing was very peaceful and we were all with him. I will let you know when his celebration of life is held. With the current covid, it may be a while before we can schedule it. Luckily his ashes have been blessed and in their niche at the church, so he is at rest. Take care. Rene’