Emile D. Rondeau

Emile D. Rondeau, aged 92, beloved husband of Anna A. (Tessier) Rondeau, died January 7, 2016 at LGH Saints surrounded by his family after an extended illness.
A resident of Dracut for 51 years, Emile was born in Lowell on Sept 5, 1923, the youngest child of the late Charles and Anna (Lafortune) Rondeau. A devoted Catholic, he was a communicant of St Francis Church in Dracut.
He worked in vehicle maintenance for the Massachusetts Highway Dept. for 20 years before retiring in 1990. Prior to that, he was self-employed for many years as a metal scrapper.
Emile was an Army veteran of WWII having served as a Technician Fifth Grade and was honorably discharged on March 31, 1946. During the European Theater, he served in France, Belgian and Germany. When the 297th Ordinance Company lost their interpreter on the shores of France, his ability to speak French became valuable as the jeep driver for the Captain of his company.
Throughout his life, Emile was a helper to many, assisting anyone who needed a hand, repairing cars and small engines, fixing roofs, whatever the need. A practical joker, Emile had a smile and a story for everyone. A curious and inquisitive man, Emile loved people and continued to make new friends up through his final day. Emile loved animals, enjoyed gardening, bird watching, bingo, Foxwoods, horseshoes and bowling in the St Michael's Men's Bowling League, where he took home the prestigious Loudest Bowler of the Year award. He took great pride in his home and yard, liked to tinker and built many bird houses for family, friends and neighbors. An avid card player, he most enjoyed a good game of 45's-he was a bidder!
Surviving him besides his wife, with whom he celebrated 67 years of marriage, are his two sons, Roger Rondeau and his wife Patricia Nolan, Robert Rondeau and his wife Pamela Rousseau, his daughter Gloria and her husband Robert Phelps, four grandchildren, Marcia and her husband Rick Jones, Joseph Rondeau, Bryan Parent and his girlfriend Tai Heatley, Bradley Parent and his girlfriend Shelby Razzino, one great-grandson Sawyer Jones, his brother Ernest Rondeau, his sister-in-law Therese Tessier, his "adopted" daughter Barbara Harding, and many loving nieces, nephews, wonderful neighbors and friends.
He is predeceased by three sisters, Sr. Alice Rondeau, Victoria Pelletier, M. Olive Lambert and one brother Victor Rondeau.
The family wants to express gratitude to the entire neighborhood for helping out during the final few months as well as to the nurses of Circle Home, especially nurse Bonnie.
He was a good man!