Lauri Aimo Moilanen

Lauri A. Moilanen, 78, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 8, 2024 at UMass Memorial Health Alliance-Hospital, Leominster Campus, after visiting with his loving family. Lauri was born on December 12, 1945, in Fitchburg, a son of the late Aimo W. and Taimi M. (Terho) Moilanen. He was the forever love of Daideen F. (Rumley) Moilanen with whom he shared many years of fun and adventures.

Lauri graduated from Fitchburg High School in 1963 where he excelled as a member of the Track and Field team. He received his Bachelor of Science in Education from Fitchburg State University where he was a member of the Gavalier’s Fraternity Lamda Phi Sigma. He obtained his Master of Education from Fitchburg State University through the National Science Foundation while attending graduate courses at Rutgers University, Vassar College, and the College of the Holy Cross.

For most of his career he taught in the Fitchburg Public School system retiring from Fitchburg High School in 2003. He was a contract negotiator for the Massachusetts Teacher’s Association for several years and also enjoyed teaching the occasional college course. Every summer for many years he taught at the Massachusetts Junior Conservation Camp which he considered the most fun job ever.

Lauri was an avid outdoorsman always hiking, fishing, and hunting. He most enjoyed training and hunting with his award winning Brittany’s Molly, Kylie, Sadie, Katie, and Annie. He spent his couch time with Penny a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel who thought she was a Brittany.

He was a member of the Central New England Brittany Club, a life member of the Fitchburg Sportsman’s Club, and spent many years on the Friends of Coggshall, Board of Directors.

Lauri is survived by the love of his life Daideen, his beautiful daughters Melissa E. Peters and her husband Steven, and Sarah D. Moilanen, of Fitchburg. His cherished grandchildren Bryan Peters of Wakefield, Kevin Peters, Steven Peters, and Hannah Moilanen, of Fitchburg. His brother-in-law Michael Rumley and his wife Angel Lehtonen of Ashburnham. He also leaves several nieces, nephews, and cousins, as well as many very good friends. He is dearly missed by all. Besides his parents he was predeceased by two sisters Margaret M. White, and Kathleen A. Moilanen.

A calling hour will be held on Tuesday, December 17, 2024 from 10-11 am at the Brandon Funeral Home, 305 Wanoosnoc Road, Fitchburg, MA. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be private in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Lauri’s name to the New England Brittany Rescue c/o Bonnie Palva, NEBR Treasurer, 829 Mill Street, Marion, MA 02738 or on their website at nebrittanyrescue.org by selecting the Donate button from the menu.

Brandon Funeral Home, 305 Wanoosnoc Road, Fitchburg is directing arrangements.

Kevin J. Mack, Walter C. Taylor & Daniel Serina Directors.