William H. Gaudreau

William H. Gaudreau, died on Oct 2, 2023 in the comfort of his own home in Port St. Lucie, Florida with his family by his side. Bill was 95. He was the husband of Therese A. "Terri" (Chouinard) Gaudreau.

Bill was born in Fall River, Massachusetts the son of the late William A. and Agnes V. (Griffin) Gaudreau. He lived in Fall River for most of his life, retiring to Florida in 1990.

A graduate of B.M.C. Durfee High School, class of 1946, Bill received the Distinguished Alumni Award from Durfee in 1990. Post graduating from Durfee, Bill spent two years in the United States Navy serving in the Mediterranean. Upon his return, he earned a Bachelor of Art degree in Business from Bryant College in 1950, completing the four year program in two years. The following year Bill married Lorraine Houle. They went on to raise their family in Fall River. Bill was predeceased by Lorraine in 1981.

Bill began his career at Anderson Little as a salesman, advancing as the company grew. Bill was with the company for 40 years, the last 10 as President and CEO of both Anderson Little and its parent company Richman Brothers Corporation based in Cleveland Ohio. Bill was also a Director at F.W. Woolworth which owned both companies.

In addition to his wife Terri, he is survived by his four children, Karen Fiorile (Michael), William H. Jr., Carole Glenn, Robert (Linda) and his stepson John Gibney. Bill was also a grandfather known as "Gramps" to Katherine, Elizabeth, Christopher, Evan, Zachary, Haley, Ashley, Garrett, William and Tanya. He was also blessed with five great-grandchildren who called him “Big Gramps" Alex, Rory, Lucy, Hunter and Violet with one more on the way.

Bill was an avid golfer, boater and skier, he was a Past-Commodore of the Westport Yacht Club as well as a long-standing Board Member of the New Bedford Country Club, where he was a member for over 30 years. Bill was very active in the Fall River community, holding leadership positions in United Way Campaigns among other community initiatives. He was instrumental in relocating the Lincoln Park Carousel to Battleship Cove.

Bill was gregarious, welcoming to all and never lacked an opinion. His work ethic was an inspiration, as was his love of life. One lesson he emphasized was the importance of putting people at ease. He taught until the end. Bill was loyal and generous to his family, friends, colleagues, church and his community.

Over the last 30 plus years, Bill, the Patriarch traveled to join his family for the annual summer family retreat. He always showed up. The group has grown to 30 family members and Bill was the star. We were together in Rhode Island this past August for his final show. One of his grandchildren remarked at his passing, "Heaven just got a lot more Fun!”

A Memorial Service honoring Bill will be held on Saturday, May 18, 2024 at 11:30 AM in the Waring-Sullivan Home at Cherry Place, 178 Winter St., Fall River. Relatives and friends are invited. Visitation will be from 10:30 to 11:30 AM, prior to the service. Memorial contributions in Bill’s honor can be made to Southeast Florida Honor Flight, Inc., P. O. Box 1503, Stuart, FL 34995 or to St. Lucie Catholic Church, 425 SW Irving St. Port St. Lucie, FL 34983. Burial will be private. For directions and tributes, please visit: www.waring-sullivan.com