...founder and owner of Aubut's Liquors; 84
TEWKSBURY - Joseph A. Aubut, age 84, a well known and respected businessman in Tewksbury, died peacefully on Wednesday evening, September 14, following a brief period of declining health. He was the beloved husband for 50 years of Rita Theresa (Nutter) Aubut, who died in 2002.
He was born in Tewksbury on April 8, 1927 a son of the late Joseph T. and M. Agnes (Plourde) Aubut. He lived his entire life in Tewksbury.
Mr. Aubut graduated from Tewksbury High School with the Class of 1945. He then enlisted into the U.S. Navy, and served aboard the USS Taconic. Upon honorable discharge, he went on to earn a Bachelor's Degree in music with Boston University's Class of 1951. After a few years teaching music in Chelmsford, "Joe," as he was affectionately known to most, along with his wife Rita, founded Aubut's Liquors in the former "Elm Farm" Plaza on Main Street in 1961. The Aubut's later purchased land across the street from their store and built Aubut's Plaza, and relocated to the current, modern and expansive store front in 1985. This year marked the 50th anniversary of the store's founding. Mr. Aubut also partnered with the George Nuttall Company and built several home developments in town.
Mr. Aubut was also active in community and fraternal affairs, as a Charter Member, Past Commander and co-founder of the Tewksbury V.F.W., Post 8164, for which he served as the 2nd Commander. He later co-founded the Tewksbury Veteran's Association, which offered a clubhouse for members to use for family functions along with one of the first "in ground" pools in Tewksbury for members use. He was a member of the Fr. Coppin's Council, 4336, Knights of Columbus in Tewksbury, remained an active member of the Tewksbury Lions, was a Life member of the Tewksbury-Wilmington Elks, Lodge 2070, and was known for his constant unwavering generosity for any and every fundraising organization in town. He was a lifelong donor to the Poor Claire Sisters, and a lifelong communicant of St. William's Church.
He served the Town of Tewksbury as an elected member of the School Committee in 1953, and was chairman of the Heath Brook School Building Committee.
He is survived by two children, Joseph A. Aubut Jr of Tewksbury and Debra A. Aubut of Atkinson, NH, a sister, Jeannette McCusker, R.N. of Tewksbury; a sister-in-law, Madeline Nutter of Tewksbury and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was also brother of the late Sgt. William Girard Aubut, U.S. Army, killed in action in Germany during WWII, Marcelle Egan, R.N., Lorraine Whitten, Robert Aubut and Edward Aubut.
His Funeral Mass was in St. William's Church, 1351 Main St. (Rte 38) Tewksbury. Burial with Navy Honors followed at Tewksbury Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are appreciated and may be made to a charity chosen by the donor.