Fr. Gerard E. Chapdelaine, SJ, passed away March 23, 2025, at Franciscan Hospice House in Tacoma, WA. Jerry was born on May 27, 1935, in St. Gerard, Quebec. He entered the Society on August 14, 1953, in Sheridan, OR, was ordained June 11, 1966, at St. Aloysius Church in Spokane, WA, and professed his final vows February 2, 1973, in Portland, OR. He was 89 years old and a Jesuit for 71 years.
After ordination, Jerry served at a Jesuit retreat center in Portland (1968-1980) before returning to Gonzaga Prep in Spokane (1980-1986), where he had previously ministered during his regency. In 1986 he began what would be his longest mission dedicating nearly four decades of service to Bellarmine Preparatory School. As a committed Jesuit educator, Jerry embraced multiple roles throughout his tenure, serving as a teacher, mentor, coach, chaplain, and friend. He accompanied generations of students, alumni, and community members in their spiritual journeys. He joyfully officiated weddings, uniting former students and friends in marriage, and celebrated the baptisms of many, leaving a lasting impact on the Bellarmine community.
Vigil
Wednesday, April 9, 2025
7:00pm
Bellarmine Preparatory School Booster Gym
2300 S Washington St.
Tacoma, WA 98405
Funeral Mass
Thursday, April 10, 2025
11:00am
Bellarmine Preparatory School Booster Gym
Concelebrants: Please bring an alb and stole and RSVP to Fr. Greg Celio due to limited seating. Click here for the livestream.
Burial will be at Mount St. Michaels Saturday, April 12 at 2:00pm.