Donald R Gaudette

He is survived by his sister, Virginia Zastawny of Myrtle Beach, SC; his children, Trish Gaudette, Philip Gaudette, Deborah Graves, Paul Gaudette (wife Sandra Bixby), and Thomas Gaudette (wife Pamela Skye Gaudette); along with 11 grandchildren, five (soon to be six) great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Carolyn Gaudette (Lucier), his sister, Jean Quintin (husband Richard Quintin), and his son, Donald Gaudette.

Donald attended Boston University before marrying Carolyn. He later earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Central New England College and spent over 50 years working at Babcock Power (formerly Riley Stoker) in Worcester. In retirement, he and Carolyn made their home in Bradenton, FL, where they enjoyed their time together until her passing in 2023.

A lifelong learner, Donald had a deep appreciation for knowledge and was particularly interested in the stock market. He was also active in his community, volunteering at the Stillpoint House of Prayer in Bradenton. His love of the outdoors was evident in the many adventures he shared with his family— canoeing the Allagash Wilderness Waterway, enjoying summers in Eastham, MA, swimming, clamming, and biking, and exploring the trails of the National Seashore with his family. His faith was an important part of his life, and he served as a lay minister for many years at both St. Mary’s Church in North Grafton, MA, and Saints Peter & Paul the Apostles Catholic Church in Bradenton, FL.

Above all, Donald was a devoted father who instilled in his children the values of hard work, honesty, and a deep appreciation for the outdoors. Long before it became popular, he and Carolyn embraced a natural way of living—raising bees, growing organic vegetables, and ensuring their children had nourishing meals. He took great pride in creating a beautiful home and gardens, always with Carolyn by his side. A man of action, he built a shed when the family welcomed a horse, dug a pond for swimming and skating, and taught his children the importance of responsibility, whether it was ice fishing, skating, hunting, or simply raking and shoveling. Through his hands and heart, he gave his family a childhood rich in adventure, love, and lasting memories.

A Funeral Mass will be held at Saints Peter & Paul the Apostles Catholic Church in Bradenton, FL. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America in his honor.