Edward J. Gaudet, 87, a longtime Hollis resident, passed away Thursday morning, November 19, 2020 at the New Hampshire Veterans Home in Tilton, from complications of Covid-19.
Born in Somerville, Massachusetts on May 13, 1933, he was the youngest of six children of the late Aime and Alma (Gelinas) Gaudet. Ed grew up and was educated in Somerville, and graduated from St. John’s High School in Cambridge, Class of 1951. He continued his education at a vocational school in Somerville, MA. An Army veteran, Mr. Gaudet served a tour of duty during the Korean War.
Ed married Ann M. McCarthy also of Somerville in July 1955 and they made their home in Billerica, MA before moving to Hollis, NH in 1965. Ed and Ann shared over 40 years together until her passing on February 17, 1996.
Mr. Gaudet had been employed with the Telegraph Publishing Company in Nashua as a compositor for 42 years. He and his son Edward Jr., owned and operated a bark mulch business and he was known as “Mr. Mulch”.
Ed will be lovingly remembered as a proud and devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was an easy-going guy with a joke to tell, and you knew where he was because of his constant whistling. Nothing gave him more joy than a visit from his grandchildren and great-grandchildren who could do no wrong in his eyes. In his leisure time, Ed enjoyed playing poker, coin collecting and was an avid hunter. He also enjoyed many trips to the Caribbean but especially loved Jamaica, where he vacationed with the whole family.
Members of his family include his three children, Diane L. Kopka and her husband Gary, Edward J. Gaudet Jr. and his wife Paula, and Marie L. Hills and her husband Carl, all of Hollis; eight grandchildren, Matthew Kopka and his partner Fatou Cham of Acworth, GA, Melissa Ferrigno and her husband Justin of Standish, ME, Myles Kopka of Chelsea, MA, Joshua Gaudet and his wife Heather of New Boston, Jeremy Gaudet and his wife Samantha of Hollis, Rhys Gaudet of Wilton, Allie Everett and her husband Alex of Hollis, and Whitney Hills of Hollis; seven great-grandchildren, Mason and Aida Gaudet, Owen and Claire Manzi, Hadley, Selah and Quincy Everett; also many nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife and parents, Ed was predeceased by three brothers, Paul, George and Arch; and two sisters, Lucille and Alice.
Due to the pandemic and safety concerns, services will be private. Donations may be made in his memory to the New Hampshire Veterans Home, 139 Winter Street, Tilton, NH 03276. Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE, 18 Lock Street, Nashua. www.farwellfuneralservice.com
