Joseph L. "Poppy" Gaudett Sr.

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Joseph Gaudett Obituary

GAUDETT Joseph L. "Poppy" Gaudett Sr., age 76, of Branford, formerly of Waxhaw, N.C., Milford and Bridgeport, died Saturday, February 22, 2003, after a courageous battle with cancer. Mr. Gaudett was born in Bridgeport, and was a retired police sergeant for the City of Bridgeport. During his career as a Bridgeport Police officer, Mr. Gaudett worked in the patrol division, the traffic division as a motorcycle officer and a fatal accident investigator, and as a supervisor in the communications division and the tactical squad. He retired in 1980 after 23 years of service. Prior to, and during, his service with the Bridgeport Police Department, Mr. Gaudett was an auto mechanic by trade, having the uncanny ability to repair an engine to perfect running order while still having parts left over. He was a U.S. Army veteran, having served during World War II. A champion rudimental snare drummer, Mr. Gaudett participated in Fife and Drum and Drum and Bugle Corps throughout his life as a performer, instructor, adjudicator and enthusiast. He enjoyed teaching many drum and bugle corps throughout Fairfield County during the 1950 s, 60 s and 70 s and his greatest success was having touched the lives of so many young people. He enjoyed all types of music and had a gift for making "happy sounds" with a variety of musical instruments. He was an avid supporter of the University of North Carolina "Tarheels", and a regular attendee at his family s recitals, shows and sporting events. Mr. Gaudett was the son of the late Leon J. Gaudett and the late Agnes D. (O Leary) Gaudett and was predeceased by his brothers, Buddy and Thomas; his sister, Mary Sweeney; and grandson, Donald L. Luciano Jr. He is survived by his devoted wife of 48 years Joan (Laufer) Gaudett. Mr. Gaudett is also survived by his five daughters, Judith Tesla of South Carolina, Peggy Luciano and her husband, Donald of North Carolina, Joanne Akcer and her husband, Ted of Milford, Janice O Leary and her husband Tom of North Carolina, Joan Marie Gaudett of Milford; his son, Joseph L. Gaudett Jr. and his wife, Diane of Newtown; a loving sister, Rose Prete and her husband, Frank of Milford. Other loving surviving family members include his grandchildren Tracey (Luciano) Kelly, Joseph Tesla, Erin Lee, Tom, and Jeremiah O Leary, Jocelyn and Camryn Gaudett, Teddy and Christine Akcer; great-grandchildren, Alicia and Nicholas Luciano, Robert Tesla, and Sean Kelly; and several nieces and nephews and many dear friends. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Mary s Gulf, Street, Milford, on Wednesday, February 26, 2003, at 10 a.m. Interment will be in St. Michael s Cemetery, Stratford. Friends may call on Tuesday, February 25, 2003, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the George J. Smith Funeral Home, 135 Broad Street, Milford. Memorials may be made to the Connnecticut Hospice, Branford, CT. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to the nurses and staff at the Connecticut Hospice for the loving care they provided. "We love you, Poppy!"

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Published by Connecticut Post from Feb. 23 to Feb. 24, 2003.

Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Gaudett

13 Entries

Patty Laufer Simmons

March 3, 2003

MY DEEPEST SYMPATHIES TO THE ENTIRE FAMILY. I REMEMBER MR. GAUDETTE THROUGH MY DAD, WHO I CONTINUE TO MISS EVERY DAY OF MY LIFE..... DAN LAUFER A FELLOW BPT. POLICE MAN. I ALSO REMEMBER GOOD TIMES AS A CHILD AT POLICE PICNICS WITH YOUR FAMILY. GOD BLESS YOU ALL...MY DEEPEST SYMPATHIES IN YOUR DEVASTATING LOSS.

Maria D. Diaz

March 2, 2003

Joanne, Joe & Family

Our condolences to you and your family.

God Bless,

Maria D. Diaz,Samuel Diaz III-BHS

The Bunnell Drumline

February 26, 2003

Joe,

Our deepest sympathy in the loss of your Dad.

James & Aida Remele

February 26, 2003

Joe Sr was a wonderful, caring and compassionate individual. He will be sorely missed, but not forgotten, by all who were touched by his wonderfully gregarious personality.

Ed Gabrys

February 25, 2003

Had the pleasure of working with Joe in the police department for many years. My condolences to the family.

David Farace

February 25, 2003

To the Gaudett Family I extend my deepest sympathy. I was a friend of young Joe Jr's in high school and had the opprtunity to know his dad as well.

My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Tom Scanlon

February 25, 2003

I always knew Joe as a caring, compassionate individual who had a strong sense of family. I've known him since I was a teenager and I have never heard a harsh or non-complimentary word said about him. His death is a great loss for his family and I offer all of them my deepest sympathy. He will now never suffer an is up above wearing a different badge protecting us all. God bless you Joe.

Shauna & George Blaze

February 24, 2003

To the Gaudett Family

We did not know Poppy Gaudett, but would like to express our condolences to the family. We have worked with his son Joe for the past five years with the Bunnell Band. If his son is anything like his dad, he must have been a wonderful person. God Bless

George and Shauna Blaze

Mary (Ziman) Harrigan

February 24, 2003

Janice & Family,

You have my sincere condolences for your loss. My prayers are with you.

Mary

Maureen Long

February 24, 2003

Joe was a friend and neighbor for many years, as well as a wonderful police officer. He was a friend of my dad's. We are truly sorry for the loss of such a wonderful man. He was most caring and giving to me, my children and my whole family after the loss of my dad. He was a true friend and he will be missed.

Maureen, Fred, Shannon, Justin, Jason, Michelle, Taylor

Harrison Johnson

February 23, 2003

To the Gaudett family, Joe and I worked together at the vehicle maintenance facility for the postal service. My family and I are sorry for your lost, We will keep you in our prayers.

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