John L. “Rusty” Gaudet, 84, of Boylston, passed away on Monday, February 28, 2011.

     He leaves his loving wife of 63 years, Frances M. (Carkin) Gaudet; his son, John E. Gaudet of Worcester: two daughters: Mary F. Gaudet, and Marjorie (Gaudet) Hendrickson and her husband Michael Hendrickson, all of Boylston; five grandchildren: John L. Vanderburgh, Deana M. Thomann and her husband Bryan Thomann, Michael A. Hendrickson Jr., Amanda Rose Hendrickson and Edward A. Gaudet; four great-grandchildren: Jonathan, Matthew, Samuel and Lillian; many nieces and nephews, and many dear friends.

     John was born in Cambridge on November 13, 1926, son of the late John N. Gaudet and Marjorie A. (Walsh) Gaudet, and lived in Boylston most of his life.

     John proudly served as a signalman aboard the U.S.S. LST 836 and other ships in the Pacific Theater for the United States Navy during World War II, receiving numerous World War II Victory Medals.

     He was employed many years at Clark University and Lincoln Village.

     John was a Jack-of-all-Trades. He enjoyed scuba diving, hunting, camping, square dancing, painting, reading and acting in local theatre productions, but above all loved and enjoyed his family and his country. He was Papa to many and will be dearly missed by all.

     Calling hours are Wednesday, March 2 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Athy Memorial Home, 111 Lancaster St., Worcester. The funeral will be held on Thursday, March 3, from the funeral home with a Mass at 10 a.m. in St. Joan Arc Church, 570 Lincoln St., Worcester. Burial will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton.

     In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Massachusetts Veterans Shelter, 69 Grove St., Worcester 01605.