Joseph L. Gauthier Jr.

Joseph L. Gauthier, 96, of New Bedford, passed away on Monday, December 18th, 2023 at Care One in New Bedford following enrollment in hospice care. He was pre-deceased by his former wife Gilda (Vieira) Gauthier and by his spouses, Wanda (Matyianowski) Gauthier and Eleanor (Duchaine) Gauthier.

Born and raised in New Bedford, Massachusetts, to parents Joseph L. Gauthier, Sr. and Marion (Hammersmith) Gauthier, Joseph was the eldest of six children. After leaving school at an early age to support the family, he worked at the Hoosac Mill and Cornell Dubilier prior to entering the Army during WWII. During his service, he became an instructor to OCS students in amphibious truck driving (DUKW) and instructed enlisted men in rigging. Upon discharge from military service, he was employed by White’s Farm Dairy in Acushnet for more than 38 years as a rural delivery milkman, supervising and training new drivers. During his long and full life, Joe touched many hearts. His long-term love of tinkering with cars frequently found many of his family and friends’ cars in front of the house with their hoods up.

Joe is survived by his brother Earl (wife Irene) of New Bedford, sisters Marion Weedall of FL, and Joan Mello of East Freetown, daughter Sandra Park (husband David) of Fairhaven, son Joseph (wife Cheryle) of FL, grandchildren Kristoffer Park, Kimberly Gardner (husband Peter) and Bonne Gauthier and great grandfather (GG) to Alexander, Emma, Viola and Coby, in addition to many nieces and nephews.

He is also survived by stepsons Walter Mindle, whom he dedicated his life to, Karl Mindle (wife Denise) and David Allard (wife Barbara) in addition to step-grandchildren Angela Cox (husband Daryl), David Allard (wife Crystal) and Cheryl Jackson and 6 step great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by brother Alfred, sister Norma Mello, stepsons William Mindle, John Mindle, step grandsons Joshua Mindle and Andrew Jackson.

His funeral will be held on Thursday, December 28, 2023 at 9am from the Rock Funeral Home 1285 Ashley Blvd., New Bedford, followed by his Mass of Christian Burial at 10am in St. Gabriel the Archangel Church, 343 Tarkiln Hill Rd., New Bedford. Burial will take place in Pine Grove Cemetery. Visiting hours will be Wednesday, from 4-7pm in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in memory of Joseph Gauthier to the Veterans Transition House, 1297 Purchase St., New Bedford, MA 02740