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Ralph Guillette Obituary
Age: 87 • Essex Junction
Ralph John "Lefty" Guillette, 87, passed away on August 22, 2017 at the UVM Medical Center in Burlington. Born on June 9, 1930, Lefty was the son of the late Edward and Isabelle (Therrien) Guillette.
Lefty proudly served his country in the U.S. Marine Corp as a gunnery sergeant during the Korean and Vietnam wars, earning two Purple Hearts.
He moved back to Vermont and enjoyed a successful sales career at WW Grainger. Upon retirement, Lefty followed his love of baseball and sold advertising for the Vermont Lake Monsters.
Lefty had many star moments in his life. He played minor league baseball for the LA Dodgers and appeared on the " I Love Lucy Show" and "Family Affair. In 2015, he attended the University of Notre Dame, becoming the oldest undergrad student at age 75.
Lefty is survived by his loving wife of 23 years Rosa Lee (Pugh) Guillette of Essex Junction, his children Christopher Guillette and wife Nancy, Sean Guillette, Phyllis Donohue and husband Brian, Edward Crewdson and his wife Leanne and David Crewdson and wife Mary Jo; grandchildren Kyle Crewdson, Travis Crewdson and wife Jessica, Ben and Katie Crewdson, and Tyler Donohue. He also leaves a cousin Jackie Ploof and husband Oliver. Lefty was predeceased by his two sons Ralph Guillette Jr., and Michael Guillette.
Visiting hours will be held on Friday August 25, 2017 from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. at A W Rich Funeral Home - Essex Chapel. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday August 26, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at Chapel of Saint Michael the Archangel, Colchester. Inurnment will be private and at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in Lefty's memory to Toys for Kids, P.O. Box 4092, Burlington, VT 05406. The family invites you to share your memoires and condolences by visiting www.awrfh.com.
Visit burlingtonfreepress.com/obituaries to Express condolences and sign the guest book.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ralph Guillette
Sponsored by A.W. Rich Funeral Home - Essex Junction.
Linda & Mike Carey
August 18, 2025
Rosie, we miss our times with you and Lefty at Centennial Field. Lefty was such an inspiration to the kids at the Lake Monster games. Such a kind hearted man. You two - such a lovely couple. Hope you are doing well.
Andrew Woitkoski
November 26, 2024
Lefty was my landlord in Burlington from 2007-08. He loved that I was a St. Mike´s grad and knocked my rent down $50/month because of it. He and his lovey wife even had me over for dinner during Christmas time.
Any time I hear about Ted Williams serving in Korea I think of Lefty and the story he told about Williams´ arrival via helicopter.
He was one of a kind; a truly great man.
Linda and Mike Carey
August 18, 2024
Lefty, we often think of you, your dedication to Rosie, baseball, Essex, the Marine Corps. A wonderful and thoughtful friend.
Sean Guillette
May 17, 2018
I miss my after very much, and I wish I would of had more time with him.
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Gary Cook
September 28, 2017
Lefty a true believer of America and the sacrifices from all Veterans . When I first arrived at Essex high school (1998) Lefty was there greeting me and letting me know he was there for the JROTC cadets. From time to time he would visit our office and discuss with the cadets what they were doing and where they planned on going in life. Lefty will be missed dearly. My condolences to the family.
Dorothea, Wayne, Kevin, Michael, and Andrew Wilkinson
September 21, 2017
We are so very sad to hear of Lefty's passing! He will be dearly missed! Coach Lefty will never be forgotten in the lives and hearts of all the little league baseball players who had the privilege of knowing him. In our house he will be forever known as giving great advice, including the mantra, "if you're early your on time, if you're on time you're late." We missed seeing him at the Lake Monsters game we went to this summer. Our love and prayers to Rosalee and family.
Bob Smith
September 10, 2017
Rosalee,
So sorry for your loss. Time spent with Ralph sharing our mutual love of baseball will always remain close to my heart. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Hon. James Kulp
September 8, 2017
My sympathy is extended to the family. Lefty was a good Marine and person. He was a valuable member of Stormy's 3/3. We know that he is in a better place. Semper Fi.
Bill Black
September 7, 2017
Dear Rosa Lee and family, I am so sorry to learn of Lefties passing. I always enjoyed my time with Lefty, especially Red Sox Fantasy camp 88 & 89. Lots of Memories and Good time by All. and thank you "Lefty" for being a Great Customer over the Years. I will miss your Annual Contact for Lake Monsters Year Book. All my Love , Bill Black
Tom Baranick
August 29, 2017
My job took our family to Arizona in 1999. But we will always have fond memories of Mr. Gillette. We lived in the same neighborhood as him. He often stopped to chat with us as he took a walk. He was our son's hitting coach in little league. He made an impression on him. He remembers him always saying, "Hands to the Ball!" Today he is a high school special education teacher and sports coach. Mr. Guillette was a kind and wonderful man. He will not be forgotten. God Bless him & his wife and family.
Betsy Stead
August 27, 2017
So sorry for your loss, my thoughts and prayers are with you. May Ralph's spririt live on in all of you.
Nancy Johnson
August 26, 2017
Oh Rosie, so sorry. Lefty had the kindest heart. He was always cheerful and out going. We loved doing his embroidery...he wanted his name on everything. If you knew Lefty you knew his story well. Loved it.
He sure loved his family. Rest In Peace my dear friend. You made a difference in this world. Thank you for your service and all your hard work.
Terri Dion
August 25, 2017
Rosie, so sorry to read of Ralph's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Terri Dion
Mark & Colleen Nichols
August 25, 2017
To the Guillette Family,
Our most sincere condolences for the loss of lefty. Ralph will be missed by all whom had the privilege of meeting him and especially missed by the Sales folks he shared his wisdom with in the field also know to us as "Ralph the Razor". Goodbye my friend and RIP.
Keith Cieplicki
August 25, 2017
Lefty was a great man with a beautiful spirit and energy! He will be missed.
Amanda (Blanford) Sessions
August 25, 2017
So sad to hear about Lefty!! We were so grateful to have Rosi and Lefty at our wedding almost 5yrs ago! He will be greatly missed!! Love you Lefty and Rosi!!
Linda Bennett
August 25, 2017
Sending my deepest condolences to the family and friends of "Lefty". I had the privilege of working with him while he was working at Grainger and I was a Purchasing Agent at Dynapower. I also had the great pleasure of working with his son , Ralph who I gained a wonderful friendship with.RIP my Sweet Friend(s)
Larry, Lynn, and Family
August 25, 2017
Dearest Rosie,
We just learned of Lefty's passing, and are so very sorry. We feel blessed to have known this saintly man, to have called him our friend. Please know our hearts and prayers are with you and all your family at this difficult time, and that we will have Mass offered for his eternal rest. We love you.
Larry and Lynn Blanford, John, Amanda, Jake, Emma and new baby, Alexis
Ann
August 25, 2017
Our condolences goes to the family and friends in this difficult time. May our loving God be a secure refuge for all of you. Apo 21:3;4
August 25, 2017
Rosie,
I send my deepest condolences, thoughts, prayers, and lots of hugs. Lefty was such a special person, and he will be missed dearly by my family, myself, and everyone who had the honor of knowing him.
Moe Jr.
August 25, 2017
Our condolences goes to the family and friends in this difficult time. Apo 21:3;4
Jill King
August 25, 2017
I am so sorry to hear of Lefty's passing. He will be remembered!
Judy & Paul Mammorella
August 25, 2017
It seems appropriate that we met Lefty & Rosie at Centennial Field for a baseball game. Over 23 years, we have shared a few heartaches, and a great many laughs. He was still playing baseball in his 70's, and took his last batting practice last month. I don't dare count the number of baseballs that I carried around, so Lefty would have one someone. Whether a child came by and said Hi Lefty, or a teen saying Lefty, or adults sharing baseball stories. He would squeeze my shoulder and say "That's what baseball is all about". I loved him very much. Rosie there will be tears, hugs, laughs, and many stories will be told and we will be with you to share them. Yes, we will definitely miss Lefty, and we are losing a great friend.
Rob Peeters
August 25, 2017
For years I sat behind you at Lake Monsters games watching you give balls to kids, telling your stories and spreading your love of baseball. Your smile will be missed but your spirit will remain. rest in peace
Bill Wetherbee
August 25, 2017
Rosie and Family.
So sorry to read of Ralph passing. What a guy! We sure had a lot of fun when he ran the Acropolis. No one else like him. He'll certainly be missed. Prayers and Hugs to you.
Karen + Moe Paquette
August 25, 2017
Rosie - Our thoughts and prayers to you and the family during this time of loss. Lefty was a special person, a great man and an incredible influence on our son since the day they met at "Baseball Camp" so many years ago. We will miss him always.
Ellen & Jim Sundquist
August 25, 2017
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time.........
August 25, 2017
Guillette Family,
Mr. Guillette was a wonderful person, dedicated patriot\veteran, generous individual, enthusiastic sports fan, pillar of the community who lived his Christian faith everyday to the fullest. May he rest in peace. I am blessed to have known him.
My sympathies and prayers to you,
Mike Thorne
Essex Junction
Rich Feeley
August 25, 2017
Another great Vermont ball player joins the All Stars in heaven.
RIP, Lefty
Natalie and Al Young
August 25, 2017
So sorry to hear about Lefty. I will always think of his smile and generosity every time I attend a baseball game. He was much loved and admired.
Bob Stewart
August 25, 2017
Lefty,
You will be missed by everyone that had the privilege to know you. Now the 'Field of Dreams' has another team member. Play on....
Jessica Martell
August 25, 2017
Rosie-
Please accept my condolences, just know that I am here for you, please don't hesitate to reach out, especially during this difficult time. Ralph was a kind and caring soul and I can't express how saddened I am by all this. My thoughts are with you and yours, always.
Wayne & Peggy Norton
August 25, 2017
Please accept our deepest sympathies.
Ralph Guillette
August 25, 2017
Please accept our deepest sympathies.
Katherine Picard
August 24, 2017
Rosa Lee, I am sorry to hear of Lefty's passing. There are no words to describe the impact he had on me and our family. We are thankful to have known him and are grateful for the value he has added to our lives and those of everyone he knew. We were all truly blessed.
August 24, 2017
Dear Rose and family, I was very sorry to read about Lefty. I have very fond memories of him and really enjoyed our friendship for many years. Mary and I are out of town and will not return in time to attend the funeral. We are visiting our daughter Christine and she also has fond memories of Lefty from her medical practice. Sincerely, Pat and Mary Mahoney
Anita Antosca
August 24, 2017
I want offer my deepest condolences. What a great man Lefty was. He will be deeply missed.
Much love, Anita
Josie McQueen
August 24, 2017
Well God gained a beautiful angel. Lefty gave me a Gary Carter baseball and it is one of my most treasured items. Rosa Lee my heart aches. The love you both shared was a fairy tale. My love and support are with you. All my love Josie
Robert Trudo
August 24, 2017
Rosalie and family you have our deepest sympathy in your loss. I (Bob) have known Lefty since high school and have always enjoyed seeing and talking with him. May God be with you .
Linda Carey
August 24, 2017
Rosie, We are so sorry to hear of Lefty's passing. He was such a caring and thoughtful person and you and he enjoyed a wonderful relationship. He will be missed by all who knew him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love, Linda and Mike
Chandler Sullivan
August 24, 2017
I have nothing but fond memories of seeing Lefty at EHS for all of the baseball games and at St. Mikes for all of the basketball games. I was always greeted by a big smile, hug and kiss on the cheek. He was one of a kind!!
Michael Benevento
August 24, 2017
So, so sorry to hear about Lefty's passing. He is already missed.
Cheryl Moomey
August 24, 2017
RosaLee:
My deepest condolences for your loss. Lefty was very special and will be truly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Love
Cheryl
Ann & Jim Myers
August 24, 2017
RosaLee,
We are so sorry to hear of Lefty's passing. He was such a special man, always a smile on his face with a gentle word for everyone. He will be missed by many.
Love,
Ann & Jim Myers
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A.W. Rich Funeral Home - Essex Junction57 Main Street, Essex Junction, VT 05452
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