Gabriel George Andre Jeantheau

Gabriel Jeantheau, a longtime resident of Weston, Connecticut, and a beloved fourth-grade teacher for many years in New Canaan, died on April 11 in Wayland, Massachusetts, after a short illness. He was 87.

“Gabe” was very popular with both his students and fellow teachers, and took particular pride in helping students overcome academic and social challenges. He was fond of telling his students, “You’ve got to accomplish something in your little green lives.”

He was born on March 22, 1929, in Queens, New York, the son of Gabriel and Margaret Jeantheau, and grew up in New York City’s Flushing neighborhood.

He graduated from Marietta College in Ohio, where he met his wife of 50 years, Sarah, and went on to earn a master’s degree in clinical psychology from Ohio State University.

He served in the U.S. Army from 1954-56, and was stationed in Canada and Arizona.

Following his honorable discharge, he joined Dunlap & Associates, where he worked as a research analyst focused on human factors. His professional focus was determining the effectiveness of systems used by the military to train personnel.

He left Dunlap to pursue a second career as a teacher. He earned a master’s degree in education from Bridgeport University, and served as a student-teacher at Weston Middle School. After earning his degree, he joined the teaching staff at East Elementary School. He later worked at Center Elementary School.

After retiring in 1991, he enjoyed woodworking in his basement shop, monitoring national politics and following the University of Connecticut women’s basketball team. He died six days after the Huskies won their 11th national championship.

He lived in Weston for more than 60 years before moving to Massachusetts a few months ago to be closer to family.

Gabriel was predeceased by his wife of 50 years, Sarah. He leaves his brother, Jean, and his wife, Martha, of Hot Springs Village, Arkansas; two daughters, Anne, and her husband, Tom, of Beloit, Wisconsin, and Susan and her husband, David, of Sudbury, Massachusetts; his son, Richard, and his wife, Suzan, of Mechanicsville, Virginia; seven grandchildren, Stephen and Jeffrey Rudisill, Abigail, Daniel and Jennifer Nathan, and Claire and Rebecca Jeantheau; and two great grandchildren, Ethan and Evelyn Rudisill.

There will be no public burial.

Gifts in his memory may be made to the Parmenter Foundation (parmenterfoundation.org or Care Group Parmenter, Home Care & Hospice, One Arsenal Market Place, Watertown, MA 02472), which supports the hospice facility where he spent his final days in peace and comfort with his family.