Obituary for
Lefty
Ralph John “Lefty” Guillette, 87, of Essex Junction, passed away on August 22, 2017 at the UVM Medical Center in Burlington. Born on June 9, 1930, Lefty was the son of the late Edward and Isabelle (Therrien) Guillette.
Lefty proudly served his country in the U.S. Marine Corp as a gunnery sergeant during the Korean and Vietnam wars, earning two Purple Hearts.
He moved back to Vermont and enjoyed a successful sales career at WW Grainger. Upon retirement, Lefty followed his love of baseball and sold advertising for the Vermont Lake Monsters.
Lefty had many star moments in his life. He played minor league baseball for the LA Dodgers and appeared on the “ I Love Lucy Show” and “Family Affair. In 2015, he attended the University of Notre Dame, becoming the oldest undergrad student at age 75.
Lefty is survived by his loving wife of 23 years Rosa Lee (Pugh) Guillette of Essex Junction, his children Christopher Guillette and wife Nancy, Sean Guillette, Phyllis Donohue and husband Brian, Edward Crewdson and his wife Leanne and David Crewdson and wife Mary Jo; grandchildren Kyle Crewdson , Travis Crewdson and wife Jessica, Ben and Katie Crewdson, and Tyler Donohue. He also leaves a cousin Jackie Ploof and husband Oliver. Lefty was predeceased by his two sons Ralph Guillette Jr., and Michael Guillette.
Visiting hours will be held on Friday August 25, 2017 from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. at A W Rich Funeral Home – Essex Chapel. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday August 26, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at Chapel of Saint Michael the Archangel, Colchester. Inurnment will be private and at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in Lefty’s memory to Toys for Kids, P.O. Box 4092, Burlington, VT 05406. The family invites you to share your memories and condolences by visiting www.awrfh.com.
