Peter James Guilmette

Peter James Guilmette, age 86, died on October 26, 2022 under Authoracare hospice at home with his family supporting him. A funeral Mass to celebrate his life will be held at St. Pius X Church in Greensboro on October 31, 2022. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Interment will be in Woodlawn Cemetery in Acton, MA, Monday, November 7, at 11:00 am with a reception to follow- where they lived for 34 years - with a celebration of life for family and friends in that area.

Pete was born on July 16, 1936 in Lancaster, NH to Reynold Dean Guilmette and Margaret Preston Guilmette. He was predeceased by his parents and all 3 siblings: Margaret Guilmette, Mary Lou Fitch and Richard Guilmette.

Surviving are his loving wife of 54 years - Louise W. Guilmette, his son Peter J. Guilmette, Jr. (“Jamie”) of Groton, MA (Adrienne) and his daughter Alison N. Guilmette of Lexington, MA. He is also survived by Guilmette and Fitch nieces and nephews – including their children and even grandchildren. Other family members are his Jules and Costley cousins, with whom he enjoyed many happy gatherings during retirement in the sunny south.

Some highlights of Pete's long life...! He graduated from Boston College in 1958 with a B.S degree in Natural Sciences and soon joined the U.S. Navy to serve his country honorably from 1959-1961.This peacetime service allowed him to “see the world”, including Bermuda, Italy, France, Germany, Switzerland and Greece. He had many adventures, both on-board ship and especially on shore leave with his shipmate friend “Swede”. Lucky the person who heard some of his entertaining stories about his adventures...!

Pete had a lifetime career in the field of sales for various companies – starting at Carr Fastener Company, a division of TRW, Inc., in Cambridge, MA. A transfer in 1967 to Greensboro, NC initiated his love for the mild climate throughout the change of seasons. He also made friends there and encountered true Southern hospitality. Having met his future wife in Cambridge, he carried out a long-distance courtship with Louise Wadden of Cambridge, MA - they wed in 1968 and began married life in Greensboro where they adopted their son, Jamie, as an infant. Wishing to have Jamie and any future children know extended family in Massachusetts and New Hampshire, they moved back to New England in early 1973. In 1977, they were blessed with the birth of their daughter Alison. The family lived in Acton, MA for 34 years, during which time Pete worked in sales for various companies as well as serving on school committees and participating in several committees at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic Church. The family also had wonderful experiences hosting four exchange students – each for an entire school year: Kathrin, Hauke and Andi from Germany and Simone from Italy. In 1999, Pete and Louise enjoyed a trip to Europe, visiting their students in their homes. In 2008, they fulfilled their retirement dream and returned to Greensboro – the scene of early marriage memories. All four exchange students also visited us here at our retirement home – we must have done something right...!

Pete always had a green thumb and found contentment tending his flower and vegetable gardens over the years, visiting yard sales and finding treasures and bargains at flea markets. He also spent many happy hours with several beloved dogs acquired over the 54 years of their marriage: Reggie, Greta, Zelda, Brandy and Lulah. In Greensboro, Pete was a 4th degree Knight at St. Pius X Catholic Church Knights of Columbus Council. He also enjoyed membership in the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) and served as Financial Secretary for a period of time.

In every way, Pete was a “gentle” man – courteous and easy to talk to, with a surprising but delightful sense of humor - he will be missed by all those who truly knew him...!

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Greensboro Urban Ministry, 305 West Gate City Boulevard, Greensboro, NC 27406.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.haneslineberryfhnorthelm.com for the Guilmette family.