James Paul “Jimmy” Gautreau, Sr., 65, passed on Sunday January 8, 2023, at Catholic Medical Center in Manchester, NH surrounded by his loving family. Jimmy had health issues for much of his life leading up to this recent sudden health crisis which led to his passing. Jimmy was born July 24, 1957, in Chelsea, MA and is the son of the late Frank and Mary (Kelley) Gautreau. He was raised and educated in Everett, MA. Jimmy had been a resident of Derry for the past 18 years.
Jimmy was a loving husband and amazing father who deeply loved and cared for his family. Jimmy served in the Massachusetts Army National Guard for 15 years. He was very proud of his military service and loved his country and flag. Jimmy was employed as a mechanic for many years at Knox Dodge in Somerville MA and worked in the same dealership with Ellen’s father and brother. Which lead to meeting his future wife on New Years Eve,1989.Jimmy also was employed at Westminster Dodge in Boston. He was an avid Bruins fan and watched all the New England’s sport teams. Jimmy enjoyed going to the beach, and as a lifelong mechanic, he loved taking care of his car. Jimmy found enjoyment cooking for friends and family and grilling at family and church outings. Jimmy was happy to serve his church as an usher/greeter at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Derry, where he was a long-time member of the Knights of Columbus, Council 3023. He loved to give back to those in need by volunteering at the St. Thomas Aquinas Food Pantry along side his son James Jr. and fellow brother Knights of Columbus. As Jimmy’s health continued to declined he spent his time at home in the loving care of his beloved wife and son. Jimmy will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and his St. Thomas Aquinas Church community.
Members of the family included his loving wife of 25 years, Ellen Anne (Valley) Gautreau, his son James P. Gautreau Jr., three brothers, Dennis (Rhonda) Gautreau, John (Roseanne) Gautreau and Robert (Nella) Gautreau, three sisters, Lois Gautreau, Marie (Audrey) Gautreau, and Nancy (Brian) Holland.Ten brothers and sisters-in law, Marie (Joseph) Kelley, Daniel (Dale) Valley, Patricia Valley Piazza, James (Joan) Valley, Theresa (Anthony) Ferullo, Timothy (Diane) Valley, Thomas Valley, Vincent Valley, Eva (Dennis) Marvell, Karen Gould, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. Jim was predeceased by his brother, Frank Gautreau, sister-in-law, Kathleen Stefanilo, brother-in-law, Anthony Valley, nephew, Joey Kelley and Uncle, Alfred Valley.
Calling hours will be held Monday, January 16, 2023 from 5 to 7pm at the Peabody Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 15 Birch Street, Derry NH. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, January 17, 2023 at 9:30am at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 26 Crystal Avenue, Derry. The burial with military honors will follow at the NH State Veterans Cemetery, 400 Route 3 North, Boscawen, NH at 1:00pm. Memorial contributions may be made to a go fund me account to assist the family.
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