Nelson R. Guillette

STERLING / FITCHBURG - The life of Nelson Richard Guillette came to a peaceful close on Wednesday, April 13, 2016 at the UMass Memorial Hospital, Worcester in the presence of his loving family. He was born in Ayer, a son of the late Leon and Loretta (Saulnier) Guillette. Nelson grew up in Leominster and Fitchburg and attended St. Bernard’s High School. Following high school, he entered the Army and trained as a paratrooper and served with the 187th Airborne Infantry group during the Korean War era. After his safe return home, Nelson married Marilyn (Smith) and together they enjoyed a wonderful marriage over the past 60 years. He was a devoted husband to Marilyn, and a dedicated dad who involved himself in things around his kids’ schools and sports. Nelson’s pride and love of family also carried through to his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was a member of St. Richard of Chichester Parish in Sterling and it's Knights of Columbus Council, and a former member of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Fitchburg. Nelson will be forever missed by his beloved wife, Marilyn; his three children, Lynn Saltys and her husband, Bill of Sterling, David Guillette and his wife, Patricia of Lunenburg, and Jane Smith and her husband, Robert of Arlington; his nine grandchildren, Christopher and Melanie Saltys, Danielle, David “DJ”, Gabriella and Michaela Guillette, and Ashley Sbordone and her husband, Anthony, Colin and Brendan Smith; his great-grandchildren, Aubrie and Vincent Sbordone; as well as nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his two brothers, Marvin and Gil Guillette. Relatives and friends are welcome at visiting hours on Tuesday, April 26, 2016 from 4-7 p.m. at the Miles-Sterling Funeral and Tribute Center, 100 Worcester Road, Sterling. His funeral will be held on Wednesday, April 27, 2016 from the funeral home with a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at 10 a.m. at St. Richard of Chichester Church, 4 Bridge Street, Sterling. Burial will follow with military honors in Hillside Cemetery, Sterling. Donations may be made in his memory to St. Richard of Chichester, P.O. Box 657, Sterling, MA 01564.