Leo P. Guillemette

Leo Paul Guillemette "T Paul" passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family February 17th at the Newton Center following months of declining health. Paul was born in Sanford on April 1, 1919 a son of Oliva and Maria (Cote) Guillemette. He grew up in Sanford where he attended school until the sixth grade.He left school at the age of 13 to work with his dad and brother Gerard. They logged large trees using old fashion two men hand saws. Horses were used to pull the logs out of the woods. Paul worked hard at a very young age. Eventually he would become a very respected businessman.During WWII he did reconnaissance duty driving his jeep toward enemy lines, later he would be assigned to an engineering force where the work involved building bridges often using dangerous high explosives. When the war finally ended he returned home to marry the beautiful wonderful Ida Roux. They would have five children and be married 68 years.Paul and his brother started an excavating company known as Guillemette Bros. in the 1950s which is still in operation by Paul's sons Roger and Donald who passed away. A chicken broiler business was established in the 1960s. The business was destroyed by a terrible fire. Guillemette's Trailer Park was then developed on the same property the following year. The Park is still successful after all these years. Paul still plowed the park at age 85, he loved to work.He enjoyed his daily early morning coffee shop breaks meeting his buddies. He could out dance anyone on the dance floor. He will be greatly missed by his grandchildren. They learned a lot of work ethics and love of life from their beloved Pepere.Paul was predeceased by his son, Donald in 2008, three sisters, Laurette Brouillard, Gertrude Genest, Mildred Chevalier and one brother Gerard Guillemette.Surviving are his wife, Ida, three daughters, and their husbands, Elaine Marby and Andy, Rachel Titherington and Geoff, Jeanne Palmer and Davy, one son, Roger and his wife, Jackie, one daughter in law, Elaine Guillemette, 18 grandchildren, nine great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.Visiting hours will be on Sunday from 4 to 7PM at the Lafrance-Lambert & Black Funeral Home, 29 Winter Street. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday at 10AM at St. Therese of Lisieux Parish, Holy Family Church. Burial with military honors will be in the spring at St. Ignatius Cemetery.Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider donations in his memory to the Wounded Veteran's Organization.Condolences may be expressed at www.blackfuneralhomes.comPaul's family would like to express a sincere thank you to all the staff at the Newton Center for the exceptional loving care given to our Dad and husband. This was truly appreciated.