1932
Philip
2024
Philip J. Gaudet
August 24, 1932 — March 29, 2024
Charlton, MA
Phil acquired a healthy work ethic early on, collecting and selling eggs from his father’s large chicken coop and working in the fields of his father’s farm. Later in life he would come back to these farming roots, maintaining a vegetable garden and inviting his children and grandchildren to join him in the planting and harvesting.
In the eighth grade he took a job as a pin boy at the Palace Alleys near his home, setting up pins between bowling sets. Years later his children would enjoy many weekend afternoons with their dad candlepin bowling. Phil left high school during his senior year to support his mother and siblings, working in one of Fitchburg’s woolen mills, after his father suffered a heart attack. Then, at the age of nineteen, he enlisted in the US Navy and served for four years during the Korean War.
Phil talked fondly of his time in the Navy where a small-town boy had the opportunity to see the world. During his service on the USS Taconic, an amphibious force flagship, he traversed from the North Pole to the South Pole stopping in many ports along the way. Following his naval service, Phil returned to Fitchburg to marry Lucille, his high school sweetheart. His work at a plumbing company soon led to a job as the office manager for Fairway Construction where he was part of the company that developed the neighborhood in Cleghorn where he and Lucille would raise their family. His experience in construction and real estate helped him to secure a job as Assessor with the City of Fitchburg, where he worked until his retirement.
An honorary member of the Knights of Columbus, Phil’s faith and generous heart was evident in his dedication to St. Joseph’s Parish. Having attended St. Joseph’s Elementary School as a boy, Phil was committed to keeping the school open during his children’s grammar school years. As an active member of the PTA, and its one-time president, Phil helped to organize and run the annual Parish bazaar and the weekly Bingo night. Later, during his retirement, he enjoyed many hours volunteering with the St. Vincent De Paul Society, working at the food pantry run out of the St. Joseph’s Church basement and acting as its treasurer for many years.
A long-time member of Oak Hill Country Club, Phil’s competitive spirit was on display during his hours on the golf course and playing cards with friends and family, both of which he loved. He also delighted in debating politics and ethics, a skill he imparted to his children (which may have become his one regret as they came to enjoy debating with him!).
Phil is survived by his loving wife of sixty-eight years, Lucille (Babineau) Gaudet, their six children, Patricia Sciarra and her husband Julius, Michael Gaudet and his partner Amy Kegley, Gregory Gaudet and his wife Jennifer Leisner, Susan Farrell and her husband Matthew, Judith DeFilippo and her husband Stephen, and Carol Banino and her husband Bartholomew. He leaves fourteen grandchildren, Christopher Sciarra, Matthew Sciarra, Emily Gaudet, Benjamin Gaudet, Robert Gaudet, Patrick Gaudet, Anne Gaudet, Melissa Burns, Michael Farrell, Trent Farrell, Samantha DeFilippo, Dean DeFilippo, Stella Banino, and Daphne Banino and one great-grandchild Luka Czerminski. He is preceded in death by his parents, J. Philip Gaudet and Madeline (LeBlanc Gaudet) Jeffrey, and his siblings, Ernest Gaudet and Lorraine Guichard.
He leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and service. He will be dearly missed by all those whose lives he touched.
A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at St. Joseph’s Church, 49 Woodland Street, Fitchburg, MA on April 6, 2024, at 11 AM. There are no calling hours. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Phil’s honor to the St. Vincent de Paul food pantry, 49 Woodland Ave, Fitchburg MA 01420.
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Service Schedule
Past Services
Mass
Saturday, April 6, 2024
11:00am - 12:00 pm (Eastern time)
St Joseph's Catholic Church
Burial
Saturday, April 6, 2024
12:30 - 1:00 pm (Eastern time)
St. Joseph's Cemetery
Guestbook
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