CLEARWATER, Fla. — Gerard R. “Pete” Gauthier, 78, of Hudson, Fla., and Greene, died Friday, March 10, after a sudden illness, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born in Lewiston on Nov. 8, 1938, a son of the late Gabrielle Audette and Sylvio V. Gauthier. He was educated in Lewiston schools. He married the love of his life, the former Constance Moreau, on Aug. 2, 1958.

In his younger years, he worked at Lewiston Hardware; Knapp Shoe, where he was a union representative and organizer. He served as a deputy sheriff and was a court officer for Androscoggin County Superior Court for many years. He also served on the Lewiston Charter Commission and was appointed to the Lewiston Public Works Board, where he helped to research and select a water treatment option for the city. He served many years as a director and board chair of Community Credit Union, where he helped to relocate and expand the former facility. He had his real estate license and was a property appraiser for many years until his retirement.

He was a life member of the Fraternal Order of the Elks; He was a 4th degree in the Knights of Columbus and a founder of Our Lady of the Rosary Council.

Following his retirement, he and his wife of 58 years wintered in Florida, where they enjoyed riding around Ponderosa Park in his golf cart together and also played pool and shuffle board.

He enjoyed cooking for family and friends and was best known for his corn chowder, his chicken wings, and his roast pork and yellow potato dinners.

Summers he loved spending time at his lake house in Maine, where he would cook lobster dinners, take his grandchildren fishing, boating, tubing and build campfires with them. Each year, he led the annual Fourth of July boat parade on Sabattus Lake.

He loved to play cards, play tock, listen to books on tape with his loving wife Connie, and enjoyed an occasional cocktail while watching the sun set on the lake, from their front deck of their summer home.

He made many memories with many loved ones and will be remembered fondly —whether it was holding hands with his dear wife, Connie, teaching his children how to cook, drive or repair things, or giving people friendly advice. He loved to play pool, cards, tock, cribbage, he was fondly know as “Uncle Pete” even to extended/adopted family. Most recently his favorite moniker/title was “Pepere Pete” chanted by his youngest great-granddaughter.

Friends and family celebrated his memory in Florida on Monday and he was remembered fondly by friends from Orangewood Lakes and Ponderosa Park.

He is survived by his wife, Constance Moreau Gauthier; three daughters, Pauline J. Gauthier, Mrs. (Eugene) Jacqueline “Jackie” Chabot, and Mrs. (Thomas) Rita Gigliotti; five grandchildren, Sara Chabot Kent, Peter Chabot, Laura, Tommy and Danny Gigliotti; and a great-granddaughter, Edelynn Kent; a sister, Cecile Corneau; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by two sisters, Aline Bellavance Dube and Jeannine Blais; and one brother, Joseph Fern Gauthier.

You are invited to offer condolences and pay tribute to Pete’s life by visiting his guest book at www.thefortingrgoupauburn.com.

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