Robert J. Gaudette

SCHENECTADY – Robert J. Gaudette, 85, passed away on Saturday, April 18, 2009 at Ellis Residential and Rehabilitation Center, with his loving family by his side. He was born in Niantic, CT and was the son of the late Elijah and Margaret Gaudette. Bob was a graduate of St. Joseph's Academy and Siena College where he graduated cum laude. He was a U.S. Army veteran serving his country during World War II as a SSgt. Aerial Engineer. Mr. Gaudette was personnel administrator for the New York State Dept. of Transportation from where he retired. He was past president of C.S.E.A. Bob was a 50 year member and past president of the Knights of St. John. He was Captain of the Knights of St. John Drill Team and the Captain of St. Elizabeth's Ladies Auxiliary Drill Team. Bob was a communicant of St. Joseph's Church in Schenectady where he was a Eucharistic minister, lector, choir member, religious education teacher and member of the parish council. He was also a member of the American Legion Post #0001. Bob loved to travel and enjoyed spending summers at Sacandaga Lake and wintering in Florida where he enjoyed ocean fishing. He participated in bowling, golfing and was on the Regional Shuffle Board Championship team. Of all of Bob's activities and hobbies, what he enjoyed most was spending time with his family. He never missed any of his grandchildren's games or school concerts. Bob was the beloved husband of 57 years to Dorothy I. (Sobieski) Gaudette. He is the loving and devoted father of Christine (Glenn) Barton of Duanesburg and Patricia (Edward) Durocher of Gansevoort. Bob is the cherished grandfather of Michelle (Billy) Lazar, Katherine (Vincent) Taylor and Brian, Thomas and Stephen Durocher. He is the loving great-grandfather of Erika and Joseph Lazar. He is the brother of Lorna Fiore, Eugene James Patnaude and the late Constance Clough. Also surviving are many nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank the Doctors and nursing staff at Ellis Rehab. for the excellent care and support given to Bob during his stay.
Funeral services will be Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. at New Comer-Cannon Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Rd., Colonie (Rt. 155-south of Central Ave.) then to St. Joseph's Church at 10:30 a.m. where the Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Calling hours will be Tuesday from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will be in the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery at a time to be announced. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph's Church, 600 State Street, Schenectady, NY 12305 in memory of Robert J. Gaudette.