Matthew L. Gendron, 65, of Groton, CT passed away at home February 24, 2025. Born in Warwick, RI on February 22, 1960, to Leon and Helen Gendron. Growing up he attended Catholic School and served as an alter boy. Matt looked out for his three sisters Gale, Jane, and Sue through grade school and moved into the public sector in the ninth grade, where he met his future wife and mother of four children Laurie Lauteri. He excelled at playing baseball from minors through high school. Matt was always a threat on the mound, with newspaper clippings still posted around the house of his “No Hitters”. After graduating from Warwick high school, he moved to CT and began work at Electric Boat as a pipe fitter from 1978 to 1986. Discovering his true passion was crafting wood instead of steel, he began work as a carpenter and gained instant attention from local builders and architects. His unforgettable charm, dashing good looks, quick one liners and never ending work ethic got him to the top of any job site. Alongside the Rhodes Brothers, the Algieres, Johnny Larsh, Rick Spencer, the Walters and various crews along the way, those guys built some truly amazing properties together that still look great to this day. Matt and Laurie married in 1983 and over the course of 30+ years together moved through Stonington Borough, Charlestown RI and Groton CT. They had four children together, raising each to know the meaning of hard work, giving your best effort, being a leader, independence, forgiving love, and trust in the Lord. Matt enjoyed chasing white tails in the woods, big bass in the rez and had a passion for ducks and geese in the marsh. All of which he passed on to his son and grandson. Early morning waterfowl hunts after the late shift with Barry Johnson was among his favorite hunting memories to look back on. Early in his building career he realized learning the plumbing trade would benefit him with overall site knowledge and eliminate “waiting on the plumber”. He was employed by the late Louis Zanella Plumbing outfit working out of Westerly, RI for a few years and learned enough to get through any plumbing or heating residential issue that could be found. He began working for high-end clients through Sweenor Builders, Rockwell management, and the late-great John Ellis Realty company. Johnny was always the toughest man in the room, but Matt was not far behind. He took a job with A/Z Corporation out of Ledyard, CT when we still worked for the Shield in 1998. It didn’t take long for top brass to see his vast overall knowledge of construction and was advanced into a Project Management position to provide his skills to others. Matt was always eager to teach, and his easy-going attitude made both clients and co-workers happy to be at work. Later he gave time to the local Habitat for Humanity chapter. His helping heart always willing to share his expertise with others provided much needed help to the cause. Upon the passing of his father Leon, Matt completed Habitat projects in dedication to him. Wanting to branch out on his own, he obtained state licensing as a home improvement contractor and started MG Remodeling. He worked day and night to a fault, always providing for his family no matter the hours, weather conditions, or original estimated budget. His always handwritten estimates and proposals you would swear were typed. The end result was always beyond the client’s expectations. From demo to final finishes, he could do it all. “You should see what we saw” was his moto and it usually took a second read before being understood. Through it all he still made time for countless family emergency repair calls, renovations, and upgrades. He made time for family game nights (I still don’t know how you guys would win the “I’m thinking of something in this room game”), coaching little league, and being the family car mechanic. We all loved his steering wheel drumming, piano keystrokes to Billy Joel on the dashboard, and his unforgettable Warren Zevon Werewolf howl. When Tim and Garth came out on the music scene he would tell us, “Someday you’ll like country music” though at the time it seemed miserable, now seems the only thing that heals. His last years were spent together with his dear mother, in which every day was cherished. A mother and son tag-team that could have only been made from the heavens. Each would be mindful of one another’s needs without a whim of selfishness. From morning coffees to nighttime ice creams, their desires were met, and it was good. Matt’s dedicated crew always was willing to help him and his mother after a hard day’s night of work. Garden plantings, grocery store pick-ups, shoveling snow, etc. were always done simply out of respect. One can only hope to have those so willing to lend a helping hand. You’ve left us too soon Pops, we know you are with us now more than your hurting body on earth ever could be.
Matthew is survived by his mother Helen Gendron, sister Gale and husband Bernie Norman, sister Jane and husband James Levis, sister Susan and husband Michael Weber, Son Matthew and wife Victoria Gendron, Daughter Taylor Gendron, Daughter Danielle and husband Aaron Mallory, Granddaughter Lilly Mallory, Grandson Ryan Gendron, Granddaughter Eliote Lavenu, Grandson Maddox Mallory. And many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his father Leon Gendron, and Son Daniel Gendron.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-vn6QdqxK3g
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6FHvP_Yv0wE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qae25976UgA
Funeral Services will be private.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Habitat for Humanity.