Rudolph J. “Rudy” Jeannette

Rudolph J. Jeannette, 81, of Sanford, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, October 9, 2026, surrounded by the love and comfort of his family.

Rudy was born in Biddeford, Maine, the son of Philip and Yvonne (Sirois) Jeannette. He grew up in Biddeford, where he attended local schools. As a young man, he proudly served his country for two years in the United States Navy, an experience that reflected his strong sense of duty and commitment.

Throughout his working years, Rudy was known for his strong work ethic, his skilled hands, and his ability to fix or build just about anything. He was employed for many years as a foreman at Tenneford Weaving in Sanford and later spent approximately ten years working for himself as a handyman. He took great satisfaction in a job well done and was always happiest when he had something to work on or a project to complete.

One of Rudy’s proudest accomplishments was the home he built for his family. In the 1970s, he and his wife, Sue, purchased a small house in Sanford that would become the center of their lives together. Over the years, Rudy lovingly transformed that modest house into a larger family home, building an addition and making improvements with his own two hands. Every board he nailed and every improvement he made was a reflection of his determination to provide a comfortable and welcoming place for the people he loved. He took tremendous pride in what he had accomplished, but even greater pride in the family and the memories that filled those walls.

Rudy also enjoyed the simple pleasures of life, particularly tending to his vegetable garden. He found satisfaction in working the soil, watching things grow, and enjoying the fruits of his labor. A devout Catholic, his faith was an important part of his life, and he was a communicant of St. Thérèse of Lisieux Parish in Sanford. His faith, his dedication to his family, and his willingness to work hard were values that guided him throughout his life.

Above all else, Rudy was a family man. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather whose greatest happiness came not from material possessions or personal accomplishments, but from being surrounded by those he loved. He was especially proud of his grandchildren, Kaylee and Nathan, who brought immeasurable joy to his life. For several years, while their parents were working, Rudy lovingly cared for them, creating what he jokingly referred to as “Pepere’s Daycare.” What may have begun as a way to help his family became one of the most meaningful and treasured chapters of his life. Those years were filled with everyday moments, laughter, and a special bond between a grandfather and his grandchildren that will never be forgotten. He continued caring for them until his declining health made it no longer possible.

Rudy was a man who expressed his love not so much through grand gestures, but through the countless things he did for others. Whether it was fixing something around the house, tending his garden, helping his children, or simply being there for his grandchildren, he showed his devotion through his actions. He understood that the greatest things in life were often the simplest: a home filled with love, a family gathered together, and the opportunity to make life a little better for those around him.

Though his family will deeply miss his presence, his steady love, and the comfort of knowing he was always there, they will find peace in the many wonderful memories he leaves behind. His legacy lives on in the home he so proudly built, in the family he loved so dearly, and especially in the hearts of his grandchildren, who will forever remember the special love and care they received from their Pepere.

Rudy is survived by his loving wife, Sue Jeannette of Sanford; his three children, David Jeannette of Lebanon, Mark Jeannette of Sanford, and Christine Hussey and her husband, Steven Hussey, Jr., of Sanford; his two beloved grandchildren, Kaylee and Nathan Hussey, both of Sanford; four siblings, Normand Jeannette and his wife, Rita, of Florida, Rita Salas of Georgia, Edmie Lambert and her husband, Pete, of Florida, and Gerry Jeannette and his wife, Debbie, of Iowa; as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his beloved daughter, Julie Jeannette; his parents, Philip and Yvonne Jeannette; and four siblings, Arlen Jeannette, Roger Jeannette, Miriam Smith, and Harold Jeannette.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 16, 2026, at St. Thérèse of Lisieux Parish, located at 66 North Avenue in Sanford. Interment with military honors will follow at 2:00 PM at the Southern Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery on Stanley Road in Springvale.

Rudolph’s life was not measured by the things he owned, but by the love he gave, the family he cherished, and the home he built with his own hands. He leaves behind a lifetime of love and memories that will remain with his family for generations to come. He will be dearly missed and forever remembered.