Robert G. Gautreau

Robert G. Gautreau, age 99, husband of the late Nellie A. (Royston) Gautreau of Kimberton, PA  passed away peacefully at the Coatesville VA Medical Center on Friday June 9, 2023

Born in East Douglas, MA he was a son of the late Samuel and Elodie (Poirier) Gautreau.  Bob attended school in Douglas but did not finish the 11th grade because he took a job in the mills to help his family before being drafted  into the Army.  In 2014, he received an honorary high school diploma from Douglas High School, making him a high school graduate.

Bob was a  proud World War II Veteran of the U.S. Army.  He served in the 569th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion, C Battery.  On his way to cross the Rhine River during the Battle of the Bulge, he stepped on a landmine and was severely injured.  For this, he was awarded the Purple Heart and more recently the Chevalier de la Legion d'honneur bestowed by the Republic of France.

After spending time in hospitals in Europe, he returned the United States to be treated in hospitals before being sent to the Valley Forge Army Hospital.  It was there that he met Nellie, his wife of 55 years, and continued on to live in Kimberton.

In the early 1950's, he co-founded the Kimberton Youth Athletic League along with Kerry Atkinson and Bill Houck, and also served as coach and head umpire throughout the '60's.
Bob was a member of the Baptist Church of Phoenixville and served on the board of trustees and board of deacons.  He was an outdoorsman and an avid sports fan (especially Ted Williams and The Boston Red Sox).  His love of landscape painting has produced many works that continue to adorn the walls of friends and family.  He will be remembered by most for his sense of humor.


He is survived by sons:  Robert Kimber husband of Fran Gautreau, and David R. husband of Cynthia Gautreau; three grandchildren (who affectionately called him Pepe):  Sam, Sarah, and Christopher, and many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by brothers Joseph Gautreau and Raymond Gautreau and his twin sister, Anita Audette.

Family and friends may call at the Devlin Rosmos Kepp & Gatcha Funeral Home, 517 Main Street, Phoenixville, PA on Tuesday, June 27, 2023 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm.

A Memorial Service will be held at Grace Crossing Community Church (Baptist Church of Phoenixville), 248 Church Street, Phoenixville, PA  on Wednesday, June 28, 2023 at 10:30 am.

Interment with full Military Honors will be in Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to the Kimberton Youth Athletic League, PO Box 6, Kimberton, PA. 19442 or to Grace Crossing Community Church, 248 Church Street, Phoenixville, PA. 19460.

The Gautreau Family would like to thank the doctors and staff at the Coatesville VA Medical Center for the excellent care and support that Bob received during his time there.