Albert F. Perrault, Jr., passed away in his sleep on November 18, 2016, in the home he loved, with his family by his side.
He leaves his beloved wife of 60 years, Marguerite D. (Hester) Perrault; his son, Atty. Charles F. Perrault, and Charlie’s wife, Beth J. Anastopoulos; his daughter, Jane E. (Perrault) Sigillo, and her husband, David A. Sigillo; and his loving granddaughters, Sarah and Emily Perrault, all of Methuen.
Born and raised in Methuen, Massachusetts, he was the son of the late Albert F. and Gwendolyn (Fallon) Perrault.
A graduate of Tenney High School, Mr. Perrault attended the College of the Holy Cross. There, he received his Bachelor of Science Degree. He then attended Tufts Medical School where he discovered that medicine was not his calling. Finally, he earned a Master’s Degree in History from Boston College.
Mr. Perrault served in the United States Army from 1950 until his Honorable Discharge in 1953. Rising to the rank of Staff Sergeant, his experiences while stationed in Germany were among his most fond life memories. As a Squad Leader, Mr. Perrault led his men in reconnaissance missions throughout Bavaria. With his ability to communicate in German, his natural leadership skills, and his advocacy for racial equality, Mr. Perrault became a highly respected figure among his peers. No doubt it was also there that he refined his appreciation of a well-crafted beer.
After completing his Master’s Degree, Mr. Perrault rather unexpectedly found himself teaching social studies to middle school students: he quickly discovered a passion for teaching, and went on to devote himself to a 32-year career in education at North Andover (Massachusetts) High School, where he became the Social Studies Department Head. After retiring in 1986, Mr. Perrault warmly reminisced through the years about his former students and colleagues.
Mr. Perrault was a truly gifted musician: when he was a child, his father bought him an upright piano, and hired a piano teacher; in a few short years, he became an accomplished artist. His favorite genre was jazz. Throughout his Holy Cross years, Mr. Perrault led the Crusaders’ 12-piece orchestra, playing in such venues as New York City and Philadelphia. After college, Mr. Perrault played in local clubs such as the Flamingo Lounge, the Merrimack Club, and Kitty’s Restaurant. He created and taught music for 84 years. Many who heard him play were struck by his rare talent.
It was while on the bandstand playing piano at a popular local dance club that he met his future wife, Marguerite D. Hester. He often said that he knew the moment he met her that she would become his wife. They married and settled in Lawrence, where they dedicated their lives to raising their two children. Albert adored his wife, and took great pleasure in just spending time with her, whether they were in their home, away in Ogunquit, Maine, or just out for coffee together.
Mr. Perrault had a sharp, curious mind until the day he died. He enjoyed reading and discussing history, philosophy, religion, and in recent years, astronomy. He had developed thoughtful perspectives on many topics – and was readily willing to share them. Albert also had a quick wit, and his dry sense of humor was legend.
In addition to his immediate family, Mr. Perrault is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Dr. Thomas S. and Sandra (Giles) Perrault, of Methuen; his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Mary (Hester) and Albert David, of Methuen; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, Edward G. Perrault, of Windham, New Hampshire, and his sister, Barbara (Perrault) Huard, of Poughkeepsie, New York.
Friends and guests may call on Sunday, November 20, 2016, at the Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home, 233 Lawrence St. Methuen from 12:00 PM until 3:00 PM. A funeral service will be held on Monday, November 21, 2016, at the Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home at 10:00 AM. Interment to follow at Elmwood Cemetery of Methuen. For directions and online guestbook, please visit the funeral home website, www.pollardfuneralhome.com. The Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home is honored to serve the Perrault Family.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to a charity of your choice, as Mr. Perrault was a regular contributor to a wide variety of charities.