Ernest Babineau

Ernest Babineau, 82, of Gardner, died peacefully Friday, January 24, 2025, in Wachusett Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, Gardner, after an illness with family by his side. 

Born in Minto, New Brunswick, Canada, on July 6, 1942, he was the son of the late Alexander and Leona (Gaudet) Babineau. Ernest was a United States Army Vietnam Veteran serving from 1968 to 1970, receiving the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal. He was a part-time maintenance worker employed by Gardner District Court, retiring in 2009. He was previously employed by CW Fabricators as a fitter for 32 years.

Ernest was a parishioner of Annunciation Parish of Gardner, practicing at its Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church. He was a devout Catholic having journeyed on several pilgrimages with his wife Maria to the Basilica of St. Anne de Beaupre. He was a member of the Acadien Social Club, 3rd degree member of the Knights of Columbus #396, and a member and past director of the West End Beagle Club, all of Gardner. Ernest was an avid Montreal Canadiens fan and enjoyed watching the Red Sox and Patriots. He experienced many hunting trips to Maine and Quebec and taking Family vacations to Canada and Maine. Ernest’s greatest joy was his family, especially his grandchildren, treasuring the time spent together. 

Ernest is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Maria (Henri) Babineau of Gardner; a son, Mark Babineau and his wife Erin of Holden; a daughter, Vickie Unfricht and her husband Darryn of Rutland; six grandchildren, Sophie and Samuel Unfricht, Alivia, Charlotte, Levi and Calvin Babineau; a sister, Jean Blacquiere of Hubbardston; several nieces, nephews and cousins. 

He was predeceased by his three brothers, Lloyd, Roland, and Robert Babineau; and a sister, Rose-Marie Allain 

Funeral Services will be held Wednesday, February 5, 2025, from the Boucher Funeral Home, Inc., 110 Nichols Street, Gardner, MA, with a Mass at 11:30 a.m. in Annunciation Parish at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church, 110 Nichols Street, Gardner, MA. Burial will follow at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 111 Glenallen Street, Winchendon, MA. 

A Calling Hour will be held Wednesday, February 5, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in the funeral home. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Annunciation Parish, 135 Nichols Street, Gardner, MA 01440, or to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, 1702 East Highland Avenue Suite 400, Phoenix, AZ 85016, or on their website at (www.wish.org). Please reference in memory of Ernest Babineau.