Ruest, Gerald, R., 70, of Fenwick Road, Riverside, died peacefully on April 25, 2012 at home surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with brain cancer. He was the beloved husband of Carol (Lombardi) Ruest.

Born in Providence, a son of the late Raoul J. and Yvonne (Cote) Ruest, he lived in Riverside for 44 years.

Gerald was a graduate of Sacred Heart Academy, Central Falls, Class of 1960, Providence College Class of 1965 and Boston College Class of 1967.

Mr. Ruest was a social worker for the State of Rhode Island Division of Child Welfare and a Chief Case Worker Supervisor for M.H.R.H. for 28 years.

Gerald was a communicant of St. Brendan Church. He was a member of the East Providence Senior Center. He enjoyed boating and fishing on Narragansett Bay and spending time with his loving family.

Besides his wife of 46 years, he is survived by a daughter; Suzanne M. Szilagyi and her husband Steven of Cumming, GA, a son; David G. Ruest and his wife Lisa of Vestal, NY, a sister; Paulette M. Palmer of Westminster, MA, three grandchildren; Rachel, Mark and Charles and five nephews.

His funeral will be held on Monday April 30, 2012 from the W. RAYMOND WATSON FUNERAL HOME, 350 Willett Avenue, Riverside at 9:45 am with a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Brendan Church, Turner Avenue, Riverside at 11 am. Burial will follow in Mt. St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Calling hours are Sunday 2-6 pm. Flowers are respectfully omitted. Contributions in Gerald’s memory to The American Diabetes Association, 146 Clifford Street, Providence, RI, 02903 would be deeply appreciated. www.wrwatsonfuneralhome.com