John J. Gauthier

WHITMAN John J. Gauthier, 92, died Sunday, Nov. 10, after a period of failing health. He was the husband of the late Mildred (Mahoney) Gauthier. Born in Brighton, he was a son of the late Joseph and Beatrice (Kavanaugh) Gauthier. He was raised in Quincy and a graduate of Quincy High School. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in January 1942 and was assigned to the USS San Juan, a Quincy-built light cruiser. He was a plank owner beginning at Guadalcanal and played a major role in 14 campaigns. He ended up in Tokyo Bay as a chief machinist mate. In May 1945, he was commended by his commanding officer for skillful, diligent and conscientious performance of duty. This involved the emergency replacement of the main engine shaft spring bearing of the San Juan, while underway in company with a fast carrier striking force in a Pacific combat area, thus enabling this vessel to carry out, without interruption, her support of the operation of that task force against the enemy. He received the American Theater Campaign Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign with 14 stars, Navy Good Conduct Medal, Navy Reserve Medal, Navy Occupation Medal with Asia clip and the Philippine Liberation Medal with one star. He retired from the Navy after 30 years active and reserve duty. He was a member of the Top Three Military Retired Assoc., the Fleet Reserve Assoc. and the San Juan Shipmates Assoc. Along with his late wife Mildred, who was a staff sergeant in the U.S. Army, he was a longtime member of the VFW Post 5737 of Abington. After his retirement from the service, he worked in the private sector as a boiler and machinery inspector for Hartford Steam Boiler Insurance Co. He is survived by his brother, Robert Gauthier of Rockland; his sisters, Louise Tighe of Fairhaven and Elinor Perry of Yarmouth; and his dear friend, Mildred Carpenter of Weymouth. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. His services will be held Thursday, Nov. 13, at 8:15 a.m. from the Blanchard Funeral Chapel, Plymouth Street (Rte. 58 at the rotary), Whitman, followed by a Mass at 9 a.m. in St. Bridget Church, Abington. Burial will follow at 11:30 a.m. in the Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne. Visiting hours will be held Wednesday, Nov. 12, from 4-7 p.m. Donations in his name may be made to the Shriners Hospital, 51 Blossom St., Boston, MA 02114. For online condolences and directions, please visit www.blanchardfc.com.