John E. Pichette

GARDNER- John E. Pichette, 90, of Gardner, formerly of Leominster, died Monday, February 22, in Heywood Hospital, after an illness. He was born June 23, 1925, in Leominster, son of the late Arthur and Katherine (McGowan) Pichette. Mr. Pichette served as an aerial gunner in the U.S. Marine Corps during WWII. He was awarded the American Campaign Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, the Victory Medal, and the China Service Medal. Mr. Pichette was a firefighter for the city of Leominster for 31 years before his retirement. He enjoyed sailing, fishing, golfing, skiing, and remote aerial planes. He will be greatly missed by all, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife, Bernice H. (Tuttle) Pichette, whom he married August 18, 1944. He was also predeceased by his grandson, Robert Pichette, his brother, Arthur Pichette, sisters, Theresa “Mike” Owen, and Gertrude Pichette. He leaves two sons, John H. Pichette and his wife Pattie of Leominster, and James Pichette and his wife, Carol of FL; two daughters, Nancy Spinelli and her husband, Sal of FL, and Patricia Taylor Gross and her husband, Al Gross of Gardner; one sister, Yvonne Miller of Fitchburg; 13 grandchildren, including one of his caregivers, Bryan Oaklund; 14 great grandchildren; 1 great great grandchild; many nieces and nephews. Calling hours are Saturday, February 27, from 9:00 to 10:30 A.M. in Simard Funeral Home, 14 Walker St., Leominster. Services will follow on Saturday, February 27, at 10:30 A.M. in the funeral home. Burial will be private.