WESTFIELD – Gilles L. Gonthier, 74, passed away from pancreatic cancer peacefully on Thursday, November 14, 2013 at Baystate Medical Center, with his loving family at his side. He was born in St. Raphael, Canada on July 31, 1939, to his late parents, Alice (Asselin) and Willie Gonthier.He leaves his loving wife of 49 years, Jocelyne (Marceau); his three loving children, Susan Boucher and her husband, Mario Boucher of Westfield, Gary Gonthier and Suzanne Gonthier of Southwick, and Natalie Toporowski and her fiancé, Nicholas Melo of Westfield; and his grandchildren: Brenden, Chantal, and Nathan Boucher, Robert Goodman and Nicholas Gonthier, and Ciara Toporowski, his true pride and joys in life bringing him smiles and plenty of sports events to root for. Gilles, one of sixteen children, was predeceased by eight siblings and his son-in-law, Kenneth Toporowski, and is survived by seven remaining siblings.
At the age of 19, Gilles immigrated into the United States to aspire for a better life. His superior work ethics lead him to work in partnership with Gilles Aube, as Aube & Gonthier Concrete in the early 1970’s until he later successfully established his own company, Gonthier Concrete Foundations, where he worked side by side with his son, Gary, since 1986. Gonthier Concrete Incorporated, currently owned by his son, Gary, is a proud legacy of his today. Since Gilles was so family orientated and proud of his French heritage, he entertained them with his musical talent of playing the accordion. With his family, he laughed, joked, traveled and loved to share his hobbies of fishing and ice fishing, as well as playing card and board games. He was a devoted member of St. Mary’s Parish in Westfield, a member of the Knights of Columbus in Chicopee, and a team member of a Tuesday night bowling league. In his retirement, he congregated with neighbors and friends at Dunkin Donuts and the YMCA and vacationed with his family. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
His good nature, generosity, willingness to help, and fun-loving personality will leave a positive lasting impression to all. Ironically, as a man of a few words, in his last days surrounded by his wife, children, son-in-laws, and grandchildren, he shared many words of wisdom in forms of flashbacks, cherished memories, and advice.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, November 20th beginning at 9:30 a.m. at Firtion Adams Funeral Service, 76 Broad Street, Westfield, MA followed by a liturgy at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary’s Parish, 30 Bartlett Street, Westfield, MA. Calling hours will be at the funeral home on Tuesday, November 19th from 4:00-8:00 p.m.
Contributions may be made in Gilles’ honor to Baystate Visiting Nurse and Hospice, 50 Maple St. Springfield, MA 01102.
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