William L. Gaudreau

William L. Gaudreau, a dedicated volunteer to numerous charities, architect, resident of Baltimore and Sherwood Forest, died of heart failure at the Gilchrist Center for Hospice Care Monday evening. He was 84. Born in the Park Heights area of Baltimore, later living in Cedarcroft, he is predeceased by his wife, Mary Frances Kelly of Davenport Iowa and his five siblings, Paul L., David L., Gerard L., Sr. Therese Marie (SSND) and Thomas L. He attended St. Ambrose Elementary School, Loyola High School and the University of Notre Dame where he graduated in 1953 with a Bachelor of Philosophy. After serving in the US Air Force, he obtained a second degree in architecture at the same university. Bill and Mary moved to Baltimore in 1958 and lived in Stoneleigh for 23 years, raising their family before moving to Ruxton in the 1980s. Their family spent summers in the Sherwood Forest community of Annapolis. For the past 8 years, he was a resident of Mercy Ridge in Timonium. He was a long time parishioner at St. Pius X Church, then the Shrine of the Sacred Heat in Baltimore, and St. Mary's Church in Annapolis. He was a member of the Knights of Malta. His post graduate career spanned 52 years with Gaudreau, Inc., a firm founded in 1927 by his father, Lucien E.D. Gaudreau, He was well known for his innovation in liturgical design in the 1960s and 70s, designed university athletic centers for then Towson State College and Western Maryland College, many corporate facilities for companies such as the McCormick Spice Company and the Maryland Casualty Insurance. He developed life-long relationships with numerous non-profits whom he served including the Little Sisters of the Poor and the St. Frances Academy in Baltimore City. He was also devoted to the Jobs, Housing and Recovery Center. One of his longest and fondest professional engagements developed with the St. Mary's Seminary and University, the same building project that brought his father from Boston to Baltimore in the 1920s. In retirement, he wrote a book dedicated to his father, "the Privilege of Service." "Dad's oxygen came from helping other people. Every stage of his career included service to and fund raising for non-profits throughout the region", said his son David G. Gaudreau, a third generation principal architect in the Gaudreau, Inc. firm. Surviving are his four children, Mary Suzanne Devore (husband Patrick) of Wexford, Pennsylvania, William A.L. Gaudreau (wife Catherine) of Sherwood Forest, Maryland, Anne Gaudreau Gilbride (husband Scott) of Alexandria, Virginia and David G. Gaudreau (wife Suzanne) of Baltimore, Maryland, twelve grandchildren, six great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. A mass will be offered on Saturday July 11 at 9 am at the St. Mary's Seminary and University, 5400 Roland Avenue, Baltimore, Maryland, 21210. A private burial at Dulaney Valley Memorial Gardens is planned. Arrangements entrusted to Ruck Funeral Home. The family requests that donations may be made to St. Mary's Seminary and University or the St. Martin's Home in care of the Little Sisters of the Poor, 601 Maiden Choice Lane, Baltimore, MD 21228.