Hervé George "Pete" Guimond, 91, of Dartmouth passed away Wednesday August 5, 2015 at the Philip Hulitar Inpatient Hospice in Providence surrounded by his family. He was the husband of Brenda A. (Piva) Guimond.
Born in Fall River, the son of the late Oscar and Blanche (Saucier) Guimond, he lived in Fall River before moving to Dartmouth 20 years ago.
Mr. Guimond was the proprietor of L.S. McKenna Business Machines in New Bedford until his retirement.
During World War II, he served with the 82nd Airborne Division, 507th Parachute Infantry, participating in the Battles of Sicily, Naples-Foggia, Rome-Arno, the Rhineland; the Ardennes, and Central Europe - the Battle of the Bulge. He was a highly decorated and honored veteran, having received the Bronze Star Medal for valor, two Purple Heart Medals for wounds received, the Combat Infantryman Badge, the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Ribbon, the Distinguished Unit Badge, the Paratrooper's Wings of the 82nd Airborne, and the World War II Victory Medal. He later served in the Army during the Korean War from 1949-1952.
In his younger years, he was a professional boxer, locally known as "Johnny Gardner." An avid hunter, he enjoyed annual hunting trips to Maine.
He was a founder and first President of the New Bedford Glass Society and Museum, a member and Past President of the Kiwanis Club of New Bedford, a former member and chairman of the New Bedford Historical Commission, a member, Past Commander, and District Commander of the Disabled American Veterans, Chapter 9, and a life member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
Survivors include his wife, Brenda; a son, Kenneth Guimond of Aspen, CO; and three stepchildren, Tanya DePina of New Bedford, Kristine Cunningham of Fall River, and Frank Dias of Cape Coral, FL. He also leaves six grandchildren and a great-grandchild from Tanya, Kristine, and Frank, and nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his former wife Lydia (DePaola) Guimond; his grandson, Frank Dias son of Frank; and his siblings, Yvette, Lucian, Gerald, Normand, George, and Robert.
His Funeral will be held on Tuesday at 8 AM from the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford, followed by his Funeral Mass at St. Lawrence Church at 9 AM. Burial will be in the Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne. Visiting hours will be on Monday from 4-8 PM. Remembrances may be made to the Veterans Transition House, 20 Willis St., New Bedford, MA 02740. For directions and guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.