Leo Rousseau

It is our regret to announce the death of Leo Paul Rousseau, 77, of Gardner, who passed away at home on July 2, 2024.

Born in Gardner Massachusetts on December 25, 1947, Leo was the son of Grace (Potter) Rousseau and Donald Rousseau. Leo's sister, Donna R. Kaplan, predeceased him. He is survived by two nephews. At Gardner High School, Leo joined the Radio Club and Ski Club. He gained much technical knowledge and learned ham radio from his uncle.

Leo moved to California and 1968-69 he lived in Berkeley, then Oakland, working at Western Electric; and then he moved to Los Angeles for several years where he worked on feature films, documentaries, commercials, et al, as cinematographer, assistant camera, actor, and other roles. While living in Oakland, he was granted Conscientious Objector Status with the Selective Service Board.

Upon his return to Gardner, all aspects of media contributed to positions in Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School and other institutions as a producer, director, cinematographer, media specialist, librarian, and computer literacy teacher.

Leo was passionate about astronomy, the natural world, and the protection of wildlife. Leo loved gardening. Allergic to cats, he named, fed, and taught tricks to the outdoor feral cats around his home on Park Street. Leo was a certified Yoga teacher. He was accomplished in Hatha, Pranayam, Raja, Kundalini, and other forms of Yoga. Practices included Transcendental Meditation, Yogananda, and the Self Realization Fellowship. Leo valued the community at Frog Pond Yoga in Princeton, Massachusetts.

For many years Leo maintained the historic building at 66 Elm Street for the Unitarian Universalist Society of Gardner. In retirement Leo provided a variety of duties at Westminster Pharmacy and the gardens and buildings associated with Westminster Pharmacy. Being downtown Santa was a highlight.

Friends are invited to a memorial event for Leo Rousseau on Saturday, October 4, from 12-2 p.m.preceding a party at the home of Joe Serio, 89 North Common Road, Westminster, MA. Memorabilia, photos, and items of interest will spark celebration and conversation. All are welcome to participate in the party following the event