Joseph LéoPaul Gauthier

Joseph LéoPaul Gauthier was born on February 1, 1921, in Cornwall, Ontario, Canada, to Joseph and Josephine Gauthier as the fourth of nine children. He spent his childhood living on both sides of the border, moving between New York State and Canada. He became a US citizen in 1953 and lived in many parts of the US, including Boston, MA; Tonawanda, NY; Fairfax, VA; Sarasota and Bradenton, FL; and Centreville, MD. He was a mathematical physicist, graduating second in his class with his Bachelor’s degree in Engineering and Physics from McGill University in 1947. He earned a Master’s degree and completed doctoral studies (opting not to write his dissertation) at New York State University. Always honoring education, he established in 2009 the HGI Watson Memorial Prize at McGill for an undergraduate student in Engineering and Physics. He worked on development of the microwave oven, radar, and missile guidance. He was owner and CEO of the engineering and architectural design consulting firm Gauthier Alvarado & Associates in Washington, DC which performed work in many areas of the world. In his later years, Lee taught computer classes in the national SeniorNet organization chapter in Sarasota, and with his wife Jean enjoyed lots of social activity with the Country Club, French Club, Dancing Club, etc. Together they traveled to numerous foreign countries around the world, and he maintained ties to the French communities in the USA and Canada carrying on the tradition started by his ancestors who arrived in New France in the 1650’s from Normandy and Brittany. Lee often surprised his family by embarking on new adventures including equestrian and sailing activities; he was a grand story-teller and enjoyed a good glass of Bordeaux wine -- entertaining us often during his ever-popular happy hour. He married Jean Alison Christie in 1944, his wife of 66 years, and was a loving and devoted companion with her throughout his life. He is predeceased by his wife, Jean, and is survived by his five children, Paul, Sharon, Catherine, Raymond, Laureen; his seven grandchildren, Brandon, Nathan, Autumn, Shea, Devin, Collin and Kendra, and his five great-grandchildren, Ansel, Coraline, Huxley, Maggie, and Madeleine. He took great pride in the success, accomplishments, and independence of the entire family. He was a marvelous companion to his wife and will now join her to travel the byways of the Great Forever – Together as always. May they rest together in peace. Family remembrance service will be held on Friday, April 21.

Joseph LéoPaul Gauthier

February 1, 1921 - April 17, 2017