(LAKEVILLE, MA) Leonard C. Gaudette Sr. passed away suddenly on September 14 at the age of 77 surrounded by his loving family. Leonard is survived by his wife of 54 years, Anne, with whom he raised three devoted children: Leonard Gaudette Jr. and his wife Deb of East Taunton and their children Heather, Meghan, David, Patrick and Rae-Ann; Donna Bornemann and her husband Ronald of Taunton and their children Tyler, Paige and Lilyanna; and Douglas Gaudette and his wife Tara of Braintree and their children Adam, Brady and Cameron.
Leonard was preceded in death by his brother Victor Gaudette of Box Elder, South Dakota, and is survived by Victor’s wife Jean and their children; his sister Joan (Gaudette) Laranjo, her husband Edward and their children of Simi Valley, California; and his loving brother Edward Gaudette, his wife Mary and their children of Raynham.
Born in Lowell, Massachusetts on March 29, 1941, Leonard was educated in Taunton where he graduated from Taunton High School in 1960. Leonard proudly served in the U.S. Air Force, stationed in Alaska at Shemya Island Military Base, where he served for four years and earned an honorable discharge. He retired from the City of Taunton Cemetery Department in 2005.
Leonard enjoyed hunting, fishing, woodworking, building model airplanes, and exploring new restaurants. He also took great pleasure in caring for his lawn and being outdoors. He reveled in being surrounded by his family and friends whenever he could and will be sadly missed and forever remembered by them all.
Leonard, “Papa Bear,” leaves behind his greatest joy in life, his adored grandchildren. “Pépé” not only had the talent of making the best popcorn they ever had, he was also their biggest fan, supporting their endeavors no matter what interests they pursued. He attended countless sporting, dance and other events over the years, and was always beaming when sharing stories about his grandchildren.
Leonard was at the heart of the Gaudette family vacation tradition, which the family has enjoyed for the last 21 years. During those treasured vacations, Leonard, his wife, their children, grandchildren, and other members of their family would come together to enjoy quality time and build memories that will be forever cherished in all their hearts.
A wake and celebration of Leonard’s life will be held from 5 to 8 P.M. on Friday, September 28 at the O’Keefe-Wade Funeral Home on 70 Washington Street, Taunton. There will be a funeral mass at 10 AM on Saturday, September 29 at St. Jude the Apostle Church located on 249 Whittenton Street, Taunton.