Richard E. "Rich" Gaudreau

Richard E. "Rich" Gaudreau, age 88, of Bloomsburg, passed away on Thursday evening, May 1, 2025, at his home in Main Township where he lived since 1979 surrounded by his loving family and under the care of Commonwealth Hospice. He was born on Saturday, June 6, 1936 in Ayer, MA, a son of the late Leo W. and Annette (Dinneen) Gaudreau. Rich graduated from the Ashby High School, Ashby, MA in 1954. He faithfully served in the United States Air Force for over 25 years, enlisting in 1954 and was honorably discharged in 1979 achieving the rank of Senior Master Sergeant. He was an avid airplane enthusiast and during his military service he served as the sole Air Force pallbearer for President John F. Kennedy's funeral. After his discharge, Rich worked for PPL Bell Bend, Berwick in the Security Management Department for over 19 years retiring in 1998. On April 14, 1956 in England, Rich married his loving wife, the former Barbara L. Makela. He was a member of the Air Force Security Forces Association, the American Legion, he served as a PIAA Official for high school softball and basketball and NCAA women's softball. He loved to read, he played baseball and basketball in high school and while in the military he played fast pitch softball, slow pitch softball and basketball. In addition to his parents, Rich was also preceded in death by a sister, Judith Ann Reynolds, and a brother, Robert Gaudreau. Survivors include his beloved wife of 69 years, Barbara L. Gaudreau, three children; Michael K. Gaudreau and wife Janice of Shenandoah, Richard L. Gaudreau and wife Christina of Mount Wolf, PA, Kathryn A. Bischoff of Newton, NJ, nine grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and eight siblings; Leannette Suokko and husband Arnold, Carolyn Gaudreau, Rodney Gaudreau and wife Joan, Teresa Gaudreau, Barbara Gaudreau, David Gaudreau, Todd Gaudreau, Joseph Gaudreau and wife Susan. Private graveside services will be held at the convenience of the family in New Rosemont Cemetery with Rev. Greg Moore, officiating. Military honors will be conducted by the Catawissa Military Honor Guard. The Allen Funeral Home, Inc., 745 Market at Eighth Street, Bloomsburg is honored to be serving the Gaudreau family.

Richard E. "Rich" Gaudreau

June 6, 1936 - May 1, 2025