Christopher L. Daigneault

Christopher L. Daigneault, aged 63, of Leominster, died peacefully on Tuesday, August 13, 2024 with his loving family by his side. Chris, the son of John and Frances (Ciccolini) Daigneault, was a beacon of light for all who knew him, embodying the very essence of what it means to be loving, generous, and kind.
Chris was a gifted three sport athlete at Leominster High School in basketball, football, and baseball. He was inducted into the Leominster Football Hall of Fame both as an individual and as a member of the undefeated 1978 team where he held the ball for the winning kick in the Thanksgiving Day game. He reveled in the excitement of each new Leominster High football season and the camaraderie and competition the sport brought. Chris went on to further his education at the College of the Holy Cross where he was a valuable member of the baseball team along with his brothers Rick and Tom.
After college he began working for the Secretary of State's office as Director of the State Records Center at Columbia Point. Chris soon found his true and lifelong calling at the family business, Il Camino Restaurant in Leominster. For 40 years, his unwavering commitment and exceptional work ethic left an indelible mark on the establishment and the community he served. He was especially proud of his original chicken piccata recipe which has become a favorite for so many.
His love for cooking was not only a personal joy but also a means of bringing people together, creating moments of connection over shared meals. Cape Cod held a special place in his heart, as a youth spending many summer days with his sister, brothers, cousins and extended family creating lasting memories. He especially had a love of spear fishing and clamming along its shores. The best part of his family's day, as the sun was setting over Cape Cod Bay, was when he took to the grill to make a delicious meal of clams casino, grilled fish and the best burgers and dogs.
Chris's legacy is remembered in the lives he touched and the love he spread. He had the rare gift of making each person feel seen, heard, and valued, a quality that endeared him to countless hearts. His generosity knew no bounds, and his kindness was the currency he valued above all else.
Chris is survived by his four children, Nina Daigneault of San Diego, CA, Christopher Daigneault of Leominster, Andrew Daigneault of Columbus, OH, and Rocco Daigneault of McKinney, TX and the mother of his children Kathleen Reynolds Daigneault, of Leominster.
He also leaves behind his father, John P. Daigneault, his siblings, brother, Dr. John Daigneault and his wife Lori, of Guildford, CT, brother, Richard Daigneault and his wife Sandra, brother, Thomas Daigneault and his wife Elizabeth, brother, Louis Daigneault, and sister, Maryellen Daigneault of Leominster, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
In remembering Chris, we are reminded of the impact one individual can have on the world. His life challenges us to pursue our passions, to give without expectation, and to treat every person we meet with the same warmth and respect that he so naturally exuded. His legacy of love, generosity, and kindness will endure in the hearts of all those who were fortunate enough to know him.
Calling hours will be held on Sunday, August 18th from 3-6 pm at Richardson's Funeral Home, 106 West Street, Leominster, MA. The funeral Mass will follow on Monday, August 19th at St. Anna Catholic Church, located at 194 Lancaster Street in Leominster at 11:00 AM. Burial to follow at St. Leo Cemetery, 360 Lancaster Street, Leominster.
Donations can be made in Chris' honor to the Frances "Chickie" Daigneault Memorial Scholarship Fund or to the Leominster High School Athletic Hall of Fame.
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