George C. Gaudreau, Ph.D., son of the late Raoul J. Gaudreau and M. Eugenie Gaudreau of New Bedford, MA, passed away on February 18, in the hospital, in the arms of his family after a courageous battle with multiple, progressive illnesses. A loving husband, father and brother, he will be greatly missed by many.
George will be remembered for his keen intellect and in depth knowledge which he willingly and patiently shared with others. After graduating from St. Anthony High School in New Bedford, George came to Connecticut where he first worked as an aide at the Institute of Living and later was employed by the Aetna Insurance Company. He paid his way through college, attending the University of Connecticut and Central Connecticut State University. His studies were interrupted when he was drafted into the Army and stationed in Korea. Upon his return, he continued his pursuit of education and eventually earned a Doctorate Degree from the University of Connecticut. A charming gentleman whose knowledge, personality and high character perfectly suited his career as a teacher and education administrator, George taught French, Spanish, social studies and English for many years in the Wethersfield Public School system. He also served as department chairman of the Foreign Language Department and later as Director of Adult Education. During his distinguished career, George was inducted into the Phi Delta Kappa, University of Connecticut, education honor society and was a recipient of a National Defense Education Act Grant which enabled him to participate in graduate studies in France. He was a member of the Connecticut Council of Language Teachers, the American Association of School Administrators, and also served as president of the Wethersfield Federation of Teachers.
A long time supporter of services for individuals with mental illnesses, in his retirement George served as a town representative for CAC 16 on the North Central Regional Mental Health Board. One of his contributions to this cause was to encourage Connecticut legislators to attend the annual legislative office building breakfast hosted by the regional mental health boards intended to raise awareness of current issues affecting Connecticut individuals with mental illness.
George enjoyed reading and was well known at the Welles Turner Library. He had a lifetime interest in history and was a member and supporter of the Glastonbury Historical Society. An honorary member of the Minnechaug Swim and Tennis Club, during his life George enjoyed tennis, boating, hanging out with the family, and going to the WOW gym. While working out at the gym, he was known for his convivial routines which often included conversations with other members. In retirement George also realized a long-time ambition of owning a boat. He was a member of the Hartford Yacht Club, and for half a decade he and his family enjoyed discovering the beauty of the Connecticut River and making new acquaintances, both at the club and at the Riverside Marina in Portland.
George leaves behind his loving wife of 37 years, Gayle Gaudreau, son Christopher G. Gaudreau and his wife Tiffany and granddaughter Peyton and grandson Sawyer of Branford; son Nathan G. Gaudreau and son Matthew G. Gaudreau, sister Madeleine M. Monteiro, and brother-in-law Ted Monteiro of North Dartmouth, MA, and many nieces and nephews. He was pre-deceased by sisters Marguerite J. Brunelle and Therese Y. Doyle, and brothers Louis J. Gaudreau and Jean J. Gaudreau.
A wake will be held at the Glastonbury Funeral Home on Friday, February 24, 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. A memorial service and celebration of life will take place at the Glastonbury Funeral Home on Saturday, February 25, 1:00 p.m. Donations in George’s honor can be made to the Inter-Community Mental Health Group, 281 Main Street, East Hartford, CT 06118.
To leave an online condolence, please visit www.glastonburyfuneral.com
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