Leo J. Gamache

Middleboro Leo Joseph Gamache, age 91 years, lifelong resident of Middleboro, died Sunday, July 13, 2008, at the New Bedford Rehabilitation Center, after a time of failing health. He was the husband of Jacqueline C. (Thibault) Gamache, they had been married for 54 years. Born and raised in Middleboro, son of the late Joseph and Anna (Dufour) Gamache, he was also educated in Middleboro. He entered the U.S. Army in 1942 and served during World War II as a tank commander in the Fourth Armored Division and also served with company F of the 25th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron Mechanized. For a short time, he also served under General Patton. He was wounded twice and returned to action during the Battle of the Bulge. He was the recipient of the Purple Heart with one Oak Leaf Cluster and the Silver Star Medal. He returned home in March of 1945 and was honorably discharged as a corporal. He was a skilled carpenter and builder, through 1979, when he retired. He continued to operate the family farm, growing produce, raising animals and providing high quality foods for those who knew him as well as the community. He will be warm-heartedly remembered as a devoted husband, father, brother, grandfather, uncle, as well as willing to help all when needed. He was an avid outdoors man, whose kindness to others was only superceded by the love of his six children. He had attended the First Congregational Church, Middleboro, for many years. Survivors include his wife of 54 years, four sons, Norman L. and Gail Gamache, Albert R. and Debra Gamache, all of Middleboro, Eugene J. and Michelle Gamache of Bow, N.H., Ronald E. Gamache and Cathy Kline, both of Taunton; one daughter, Irene C. and Richard Hudson of Dighton; two brothers, Joseph Peter Gamache of Lakeville and Arthur Gamache of Middleboro; nine grandchildren; many many nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late Paul, Jewels, George Gamache, Josephine Forcier, Ernestine Stuart and Anna Cote. He was also the father of the late Henry P. Gamache, who predeceased him in 2002. Funeral services will be held Friday, July 18, at 10 a.m., at the First Congregational Church at the Green, 6 Plympton St., Middleboro, followed by a burial at the Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne, at 2 p.m. Visiting hours, to which relatives and friends are invited to attend, will be held Thursday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m., at the Ashley Funeral Home, 35 Oak St., Middleboro. For more information, please visit www.eggerandashleyfh.com.