Paul C. Gaudet, a retired food and beverage manager and lifelong resident of Nahant passed away peacefully on April 4, 2026. He was 86 years old.
Paul was born on February 20, 1940 to Russell F. Gaudet and Claire T. Gaudet, of Nahant. He was part of a large and loving family which included his twin, James “Jay” Gaudet, brothers Russell “Cole” Gaudet, Francis “Cy” Gaudet and Robert “Bob” Gaudet. He also had three sisters: Claire Marie Gaudet, Marcia Gaudet Smith and Deborah Gaudet O’Connell. Only three siblings survive him: Cy, Bob and Deborah.
Paul started the next generation of his family when he married Barbara Rae Samaklis Gaudet. They had two children, both of whom survive him: Lauren Rae Gaudet Daniels and her late husband, Rahsaan; and Ryan E. Gaudet and his wife, Lisa. He is also survived by his only grandson, Devon James Gaudet, who he doted on and spoiled. He had many cousins, nieces and nephews with whom he shared his words of wisdom, great sense of humor and generosity.
After graduating from Lynn English High School in 1958, where he was a star football player, Paul went to Brewster Academy in Wolfboro, New Hampshire. He went on to attend the University of New Hampshire in Durham, New Hampshire.
Paul began his food and beverage career with Tropicana Orange Juice of Bradenton, Florida, eventually becoming the Eastern U.S. Sales Manager. He later joined the Stella Cheese Division of Universal foods of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He finished his career with Crowninshield Management Corporation, developing condominiums in Winthrop, Hull, Charlestown, Lowell and Everett, Massachusetts.
Paul was very active in local politics with the Democratic Party in Massachusetts. Memorable moments in his political life include a fundraising dinner where a prominent newspaper reporter referred to Paul as “Ol’ Blue Eyes, the neat, natty Nahant native” and another fundraiser where the guest of honor said, “There’s my friend, Paul Gaudet. Paul lives on Loyal Street. The farther down the street you go, the more loyal it gets. Paul lives in the last house.”
Loyalty was Paul’s life.
When he wasn’t in the office, he was usually working on his beautiful home. Paul collected antique Chinese porcelain and was known as The Mandarin Man. He took great pride in his yard and gardens. He could often be seen cutting the grass, then cutting it again. After gardening, you may have found him on his deck, working on his amazing tan.
Paul had lifelong friendships with classmates and teammates, including but not limited to: Dave Armstrong, Walter Boverini, Francis Lauriano, Tippy Johnson, Terry Marks, Charlie Sansone, Paul Bradley and Chris Lombard. Sadly, some of those friends have predeceased him. Maybe they’re all sharing stores and reminiscing right now.
A small private ceremony with his immediate family will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his name to your favorite charity.