QUINEBAUG, CT – James P. “Griz” Gendron, 65, died Sunday, May 7, 2023 in Harrington Healthcare in Southbridge, surrounded by his loving family.
He leaves his wife of 41 years, Teresa E. “Terry” (Kowalewski) Gendron; 2 sons, Earl C. and his wife Megan Gendron of Ashford, and Lee A. Gendron of Thompson; his mother, Gloria J. (Porter) Gendron of Brooklyn; 2 grandsons, Nicholas James Gendron and Matthew Christopher Gendron; 2 sisters, Donna L. Borowski of Putnam and Gail R. Leclaire of Brunswick, ME; several nephews and nieces.
He was born on November 15, 1957 at home in Thompson and lived there most of his life. He was a 1975 graduate of Tourtellotte Memorial High School in Thompson and was a member of the photography club. He earned his Associates Degree in Media from Quinebaug Valley Community College.
Mr. Gendron owned and operated his own pet store, Nature’s Hideout in Auburn, MA and Dayville, CT for fifteen years. He worked at Primedica Charles River Labs as a pharmacy tech for 10 years, most recently working for PETCO in Auburn, MA and Smithfield, RI until March.
Griz was a 4th degree Black Belt in Tang Soo Do and a certified instructor at Quest Martial Arts in Putnam and Thompson. He was a licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator for the State of Connecticut and a member of the Happy Hookers Fishing Club. He was an animal lover and enjoyed photography.
His funeral will be held Friday, May 12, 2023 at 11:00 AM in the Sitkowski, Malboeuf & Hickey Funeral Home, 340 School Street, Webster, MA. Burial will be in Saint Joseph Cemetery, Thompson. Calling hours will be Thursday, May 11, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM in the funeral home and again on Friday morning from 10:00 AM until the service. The family requests donations in his memory may be made to Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.