Leo J. Ouellette, 85, passed away on Monday, August 5, 2013 at Massachusetts General Hospital surrounded by his loving family. Leo was born on August 22, 1927 in Lawrence, Ma. to Vitale and Aurore Ouellette. He was one of 13 children. Educated in Lawrence schools, he went on to serve in the U.S. Marine Corps as a machine gunner during WWII. He later earned a degree in Criminal Justice and graduated from the Massachusetts Police Academy. He proudly served as a Lawrence Police Officer for 30 years, retiring as a respected Detective Sergeant. Leo and his wife, Terri, spent twenty years of retirement in Barefoot Bay, Fla., where they enjoyed the company of many friends and neighbors.
Leo was very active into his eighties. He was an avid cyclist for many years. He was especially proud of his participation in Barefoot Bay Senior Softball and had many close friends in the league. He was also a lifetime member of Lawrence Lodge of Elks. Leo is probably best known for his sense of humor and his fun-loving home where friends and family always gathered. He always enjoyed a card game, dominoes or a challenging game of checkers. Most of all, Leo cherished time with his family.
Leo was predeceased by his wife of 59 years, Therese M. (Kenney) Ouellette and his son-in-law, Richard G. Higgins. He leaves a sister, Lorraine Cooper, and a brother, Ronald Ouellette. He is also survived by his daughter, Debra L. Higgins, and his son, William J. Ouellette and his wife, Maureen. His grandchildren include Laura, Julie and Jeffrey Ouellette, plus Sharon O’Neill, Richard, Paul and Joanne Higgins. He also leaves two great-grandchildren, Deana and Juan Lozano. Calling hours will be from 3 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, August 8th at the John Breen Memorial Funeral Home, 122 Amesbury St., Lawrence, Ma. There will be a memorial service at the funeral home on Friday, August 9th at 10 a.m.