In Memoriam: Gerald G. Bilodeau

Born in 1929 into a French-speaking home in Waterville, Maine, Dr. Bilodeau graduated with honors from the University of Maine in 1950 with a degree in mathematics.

In 1955 he joined Westinghouse Atomic Power, whose Bettis Laboratories in Pittsburgh built nuclear reactors for the U.S. Navy. After four years, he returned to Boston to join Sylvania Electronic Systems and one year later, he earned a Ph.D. in mathematics from Harvard University. 

His son, Mark '88, noted that he found his academic calling as a graduate student at Harvard, and while teaching courses at Carnegie Mellon Univerity while living in Pittsburgh.

In 1960, Dr. Bilodeau launched a 38-year career as a much-beloved mathematics professor at Boston College.  

“He was a dedicated academic mathematician and a passionate teacher, exuding his love for the material and his joy in sharing that love with others,” Mark Bilodeau said. 

In 1992, Dr. Bilodeau was selected as the most outstanding faculty member in the College of Arts and Sciences by the Boston College chapter of the national honor society Phi Beta Kappa, the third such recipient. 

Retired Economics Professor Richard W. Tresch, then president of BC’s Phi Beta Kappa chapter, noted that Dr. Bilodeau’s name stood out among the nominations, even though, as a mathematics professor, he didn’t have a large base of students upon which to draw.

“He’s perceived as a real friend to students in his department, in addition to being good in the classroom,” said Tresch in the award’s announcement. “He is constantly available and is an excellent advisor.”

Upon receiving the award, Dr. Bilodeau expressed his pride, particularly since the award was student generated. “It was a pleasant surprise to receive the award,” he said. “After 33 years, I still enjoy coming to work each day and facing my classes. I try to make the logic clear and to give the students some insight as to why things are done as they are.”

Upon learning of his former professor’s death, Thomas F. Mulvoy `64, a former managing editor of The Boston Globe, shared a fond recollection.

“It was 66 years ago when Professor Bilodeau stood at the door of a classroom in BC’s Lyons Hall and told me, a freshman baffled into utter embarrassment by calculus, that ‘you don't have to be a mathematician to take in the majesty and logic of numbers. Just do your best, and life will be good to you.’ I should have written to him at some point later to tell him how buoyed I felt by his solicitude—at the time—and up to today. Such a fine man."

Dr. Bilodeau was married to Madelyn (NC'51) for 69 years until her passing in October 2025. He is survived by his six children: Gerald E. '80 (Sharon); Thomas (Karen); Francis '83, Matthew '84, Mark '88 (Kate) and Anne Pickett '92 (John); and grandchildren Rebecca, Gerry '13, Tommy, Brian, Tim, Jake, Teddy, Jack '28, and Madelyn. He was the son of the late Pierre J. Bilodeau and Mabel M. (La Combe) Bilodeau and was preceded in death by his brother Roland E. Bilodeau.

Mark Bilodeau underscored that his father was devoted to his Catholic faith, was a staunch advocate for Christian values, and he attended Mass regularly at Newton’s Our Lady Help of Christians Church, also serving as a lector and CCD teacher.

“He set an example as a deeply principled, humble, and caring person."