Waterford Championship Car Owner Al Gaudreau Passes at 70
Albert E Gaudreau
June 23, 1942 – April 27, 2013
NORWICH – Albert E. Gaudreau, 70, passed away in Norwich on Saturday, April 27th with family by his side.
He was born on June 23, 1942, the son of the late Albert J. and Annie (Mazarelli) Gaudreau. He was the beloved husband of Margaret “Peg” (Rude) Gaudreau who survives him. They celebrated their 50th Anniversary just last year.
Albert was born and raised in Norwich along with his brother Tom who now resides in Griswold with his wife Mary (Frye) Gaudreau.
Al graduated from NFA in 1960. After high school he worked as a welder at Electric Boat and for the plumbers and pipe fitters union. In 1976 he started Al’s Quality Auto and Marine Electric in New London which he ran until 2005.
Al and his wife Peg were avid auto racers. He built and owned many winning race cars in New England. He made many lifelong friends in the racing community and affectionately earned the nickname, “Buddha”. During the 70’s his car, called “Buddha’s Bullet” won 5 modified championships at the Waterford Speedbowl. In the 90’s he and his son Tommy raced Late Models and won two championships. In recent seasons he was been involved with his son Tom in a successful drag racing team. He was a great competitor and was rewarded with many checkered flags and victory lane celebrations.
Al was a huge fan of the Connecticut Sun women’s basketball team and got such great enjoyment cheering on the girls and regularly visiting with his many friends and family who attended the games.
Al was a devoted family man who leaves three children; Tina Taylor of Bristow, VA, Thomas Gaudreau of Plainfield, and Teri Perrino of Versailles. He was a loving uncle to Lisa (Gaudreau) Casey of Norwich and several other nieces and nephews from out of the area. The pride of his life were his four grandchildren, David and Tasha Gaudreau, and Bryan and Ally Perrino. In the last year he was blessed to meet his new great grandson, Strati.
Al was a generous and loving man who will be remembered by many for helping them just when they needed it most. He always went above and beyond for his friends and family who will always think about what a big heart he had.
The family will received friends and relatives Tuesday (4/30) from 5pm – 9pm at Labenski Funeral Home, 107 Boswell Ave., Norwich, CT. Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday (5/1) at the funeral home at 11am with interment immediately following at St. Joseph Cemetery in Norwich.
Donations may be made in his honor to the ALS Association, Connecticut Chapter to help his wife who is living with ALS (http://webct.alsa.org/site/PageServer?pagename=CT_homepage) or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
To leave an online condolence, please visit www.labenskifuneralhome.com
Sources: DignityMemorial.com