Leonard J. Gaudette

Leonard J. Gaudette, age 88, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, June 12, 2026. He was born in Nashua in 1938, the son of Arthur A. and Eva P. (Girard) Gaudette. He was predeceased by his wife Margaret in 2021 after sharing 61 years of marriage. He attended Nashua schools and graduated from Nashua High School, class of 1955. He served in the Air Force from 1955-1958, and then worked for BAE (formerly Sanders Associates/Lockheed Martin) as an electrical equipment and circuit board tester until his retirement in 1998.

Never one to stay idle, following his retirement he volunteered to help Diane and Bill in their business, reliably arriving several days a week for 15 years, to work side-by-side with Diane in the shipping department – a testament to his generous spirit and eagerness to always lend a helping hand.

Len had a quiet humor and treated everyone with warmth and respect. He took immense pride in the family that he and Margaret created after their marriage in 1960. They raised their first two daughters, and in 1981 were blessed with a third daughter, Laura, who made their little family complete.

Leonard enjoyed family vacations and day trips, and holidays were a favorite, where he liked to sit in the corner chair and watch everyone interact. His mind was sharp, and he was an expert in word and number games, always ready to solve a puzzle or outwit a crossword. He and Laura shared a love of westerns, especially Gunsmoke. And no matter the occasion, he could always be tempted by something sweet, especially fudge or chocolate.

Some of his happiest hours were spent playing cards or chess with family and friends. He enjoyed making jigsaw puzzles with his family, and researching genealogy with Laura. In his younger days, he enjoyed his garden, and his tomatoes were outstanding and willingly shared. His generosity was steady and unspoken, shown in the countless ways he cared for others, and his devotion to his family was the constant center of his life.

He was truly the rock of our family, and his quiet strength and love will be greatly missed. À demain, Dad.

Besides his wife Margaret, Leonard was predeceased by his parents and his brother, Arthur E. Gaudette.

He is survived by his three loving daughters: Susan Bonenfant and her husband, Gary; Diane Poliquin and her husband, William; and Laura Autote and her husband, Cory. He is also survived by four cherished grandchildren: Amanda Currier and her husband, Donald, and their children, Taylor and Alexis; Andrew Poliquin and his wife, Audrey, and their children, Kaitlin, Madison, and Brody; Ian Autote; and Samantha Wingate and her husband, Steven, and their children, Jackson and Arianna. In addition, he leaves his sister-in-law, Constance Gaudette of Florida, as well as several beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.

SERVICES: There will be no calling hours. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Thursday, June 18, 2026, at St. Christopher Parish, 62 Manchester Street, in Nashua. Burial with military honors to follow at St. Francis Xavier Cemetery, 32 Pine Hill Ave, in Nashua. Davis Funeral Home, 1 Lock St., Nashua, NH has been placed in charge of arrangements. “ONE MEMORY LIGHTS ANOTHER”.