John Gaudet

On August 16, 2019, John William Gaudet passed away at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. Loving Father of 8 beautiful daughters, and a son (John W. Gaudet Jr. 7/2/79-6/29/95). John was born on June 14, 1938 (Flag Day) in Newark, NJ to William & Mary Glen (nee McDonald) Gaudet. John had an A.S. degree in Fire Science and was a retired member of the Clifton, NJ Fire Dept. Although he was divorced from his wife Mary (nee Matthews) of 25 years, they remained friends. John loved all his daughters and every Valentine's Day, they could always count on Dad for a Hershey’s Bar, xoxo, We Love You Dad.

John’s passion was music. In the 1950’s, he was Lead Singer of the group The Tassels in which his sister Rochelle (nee Gaudet) Alessi was also a member and lead singer. The Tassels were featured on American Bandstand & the Ed Sullivan Show with hit single ‘To A Soldier Boy.’ John continued to produce songs which were occasionally played on 91.7 FM oldies station. Some song lyrics were written by John’s Mother Mary Glen (McDonald) Gaudet. Throughout the 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s, John would play at clubs under the name of Johhny B. Good. When John’s daughters were in high school, he would get out his guitar and sing and have live jam sessions with his kids and their friends: Elvis, Frank Sinatra, Chuck Berry, and Righteous Brothers covers were favorites.

During freshwater fishing season, John enjoyed trout and sunny fishing in nearby lakes, taking his kids and grandkids whenever possible. John loved spending time with family because family was very important to him. His sister Rochelle (Gaudet) Alessi and her husband Matt would frequently meet for meals, as well as with his daughters and their families.

John was preceded in death by his mother Mary Glen (McDonald) Gaudet, his son John W. Gaudet Jr., and his father William Gaudet. He is survived by his 8 daughters: Sharon Gaudet-Walsh & husband, Michele Gaudet, Jean (Gaudet) Flickinger & husband Dan, Gretchen Gaudet & husband Bill, Charmaine Gaudet & husband Ryan, Mary (Gaudet) Reid & husband Tim, Jaime Gaudet, Colleen (Gaudet) Thorne & husband Brad, his sister Rochelle (Gaudet) Alessi & husband Matt, his 29 grandchildren: Matt, Joe, Sharissa, JenaLynn, Sean, Sailor, John, Sable, Connor, Rain, Jacob, Adelaide, Johnathan, Shane, Emma, Grace, Zola, Raven, Heron, Phoenix, Gryphon, Falcon, Abigail, Evan, Sarah, Cameron, Lily, Jack, Midge, 2 great grandchildren: Ava & Kanyon. As well as many loving cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Visitation will take place on Friday, August 30, 2019, from 11am to 12pm followed by a Memorial Mass at 12pm, everything taking place at St. Francis of Assisi Church, Long Beach Boulevard, Brant Beach, NJ 08008. Following mass a Celebration of Life will take place from 1pm to 5pm at the Beach Haven Firehouse, 100 S. Bay Avenue, Beach Haven, NJ 08008. All are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, Jaime Gaudet and the family ask that you visit their GoFundMe (<- click) page, here or on Facebook, to assist with costs.