Leo Edward Goulette

WATERVILLE – Leo Edward Goulette, 98, died on Sept. 30, 2024. He was born in Waterville on Nov. 24, 1925, to J. Edward and Alfreda (Poulin) Goulette.

He was educated at St. Francis School in Waterville and left home at 13 to attend school at the Brothers of Christian Instruction in Alfred, Maine. As a Brother, he taught school in Plattsburgh, NY and Montreal. He left in 1946 and returned to Waterville because he wanted to marry and raise a family. His years with the Brothers shaped his life and he enjoyed telling stories of his time there.

He served in the U.S. Army for two years active duty and four years in the reserves and in later years was a member of American Legion Bourque-Lanigan Post 5.

He met his future wife, Geraldine Beaulieu, on a blind date and they married on Nov. 14, 1953, and raised five children together. He worked for R.E. Drapeau for 20 years and at Scott Paper/Sappi as a master electrician and then as an electrical planner until he retired in 1989.

He was good natured, humble, and loved people. He had a remarkable memory, able to recall detailed stories even in his later years. He could repair just about anything and enjoyed working on his home and camp.

Hockey was a big part of his life, playing from a young age and later coaching youth hockey and refereeing high school and college games. He maintained a backyard rink and his children have fond memories of their time skating and playing hockey with friends.

He was a devout Catholic, served as a Eucharistic minister and was a member of the Notre Dame choir. He volunteered at the Sacred Heart Soup Kitchen for 26 years and served on the Waterville City Council.

He loved to golf and was able to do so into his nineties. He was a long-time member and ranger at Natanis Golf Course. He enjoyed card games, especially cribbage. Leo and Gerry loved to travel, making numerous trips around the country to visit family, as well as frequent day trips to the Maine coast. Their trip to Europe, shortly after Leo retired, was a highlight.

He treasured summers on China Lake, often saying it was his favorite place. He and Gerry loved having family visit, which allowed their grandchildren a connection to each other and to Maine lake life that they would not have enjoyed otherwise.

Leo was predeceased by his loving wife of 67 years, Geraldine (Beaulieu); a newborn son; his parents; his sister Yvette Michaud, his brother James Goulette; his nieces Elaine Belcher and Margaret Goulette; his nephew Russell Michaud; and his first grandchild, Christopher P. Goulette.

He is survived by his sister Jeannette Bolduc (Robert), sister-in-law Elisabeth Goulette; daughter Debra Goulette Carter (Scott) of Falmouth, and four sons: Paul (Dianne) of Baldwinsville, NY, Andrew (Linda) of York, Maine, Dana (Suzanne) of Stafford Va., and Thomas of Pittsfield, Maine. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Natalie Carter Leishman, Aimee Goulette Reakes, Nicholas, Spencer and Joseph Goulette, Cadie Goulette Yeager, Nathan and John Goulette, Avery, Patience, Kristanna and Matias Goulette; great grandsons, Henry Goulette and Connor Reakes; and many nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to thank the excellent staff on the Eagles Landing Delta house at the Maine Veterans’ Home in Augusta, who provided compassionate and loving care with a dose of humor, as well as the MVH’s wonderful activities and support staff.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, Oct. 11 at 10 a.m. at Notre Dame Catholic Church, 116 Silver Street, Waterville; followed by a burial at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, 78 Grove Street, Waterville. A reception will follow.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm Street, Waterville. An online guestbook may be signed, condolences and memories shared at http://www.gallantfh.com.

In lieu of flowers,

donations may be made in Leo’s memory to:

Maine Veterans’ Home

Attn: Employee

Appreciation Committee

35 Heroes Way

Augusta ME 04330.

It would be helpful if you also included Employee Appreciation

on the check memo line