Robert J. Gauvreau Sr.
Well Known Local Musician/Band Leader
LOWELL Robert J. Gauvreau, Sr., of Lowell, completed his earthly journey and was called home by his Creator, at age 77, on January 18, 2010, after a courageous year long battle with lung cancer. Bob was the beloved husband of Dolores T. (Champagne) Gauvreau and would have celebrated their 50th Anniversary this coming July 9th.
Born May 30, 1932, in Lowell, he was a son of the late Joseph A. and the late Ethel (Custer) Gauvreau.
A graduate of Lowell High School, Class of 1949, he attended Arlington Academy of Music in Arlington, MA. He was a well known trumpet player and orchestra leader. For many years he was a member of the American Federation of Musicians Local #83. Also he performed throughout the New England area with The Dick Madison Orchestra as the lead trumpet player. He also played throughout the area with his own band at various local night spots and functions including many weddings. However he will be best remembered for his 18 years at Vesper Country Club in Tyngsborough as the leader of the Par 4 Orchestra. In recent years he was the pianist at Jacoppi's Restaurant in Tyngsborough.
A lifelong Lowell resident, he made his home in the Upper Highlands section of the City for more than fifty years, and was a communicant of St. Margaret’s Church. He was affiliated with M.I.T. Lincoln Laboratory at Hanscom Air Force Base, Arnold Graphics in Canton, United States Army Materials Command in Watertown, MA and Flir Systems in North Billerica with Allied Security. During his illness he missed all of the people at Flir Systems, especially the facilities manager, Brian Frieberg, and Marie Rosi, the receptionist.
In addition to his wife, Dolores, he is survived by his children, Robert J. Gauvreau Jr. and his wife, Kathleen, of Lowell, Richard G. Gauvreau of Lowell, and Lisa Ring and her husband, Kenneth, of Chelmsford; two grandchildren, Jack G. Ring and Harry J. Ring both of Chelmsford; his brother, Paul F. Gauvreau of Hudson, NH; a brother in law, Paul A. Champagne and Jacqueline Champagne, of Lowell; and his nephews, Robert Champagne, and Ronald Champagne, both of Lowell, David Champagne of Las Vegas, NV, and Matthew Gauvreau of Hudson, NH. He is also survived by many friends including the Rancourt Family of Pelham, NH, many cousins, neighbors, and the family dog, Briea, who he loved so much.
He was also the brother in law of the late Amy Gauvreau who passed away last April.
The family would like to thank Lowell General Cancer Center, as well as the MS3 staff at Lowell General, and also the Greater Lowell Visiting Nurses Association, especially Kathleen Albee for the wonderful care that he received.
PER HIS WISHES CALLING HOURS HAVE BEEN OMITTED. YOU ARE INVITED TO HIS FUNERAL MASS ON SATURDAY, JANUARY 23, AT 11 A.M. AT ST. MARGARET’S CHURCH. BURIAL IN ST. JOSEPH CEMETERY, WITH A RECEPTION TO FOLLOW. ARRANGEMENTS BY THE MCDONOUGH FUNERAL HOME, 14 HIGHLAND STREET, LOWELL 978-458-6816. E-CONDOLENCE SITE WWW.MCDONOUGHFUNERALHOME.COM
