Published in the January 13, 2017 edition.
PEABODY — John Louie Amirault, of Peabody, previously a 30-year resident of Conomo Point, Essex, and a 55-year resident of Melrose, died peacefully in the loving care of his family on January 6 at the age of 85.
Louie was born in Malden on December 19, 1931 to Samuel and Helen (Vachon) Amirault. He was raised in Melrose, attended St. Mary’s Grammar School, and graduated in 1949 from Melrose High School where he was a member of the football team.
Louie then enlisted in the United States Army and served his country honorably in combat during the Korean War. After returning from the war he married the love of his life, Patricia (Casey) Amirault, at St. Mary’s Church. Louie and Pat shared 62 years of marriage.
Louie’s parents immigrated from Amirault’s Hill, Nova Scotia, and he always had a deep connection to his parents’ hometown. He made many trips there and eventually donated the family homestead to the local Catholic church.
He made his career at AT&T, Nynex & Verizon.
Louie was deeply involved in restoration of the Schooner “Adventure,” the last wind-powered vessel in the Gloucester fishing fleet. Samuel Amirault, Louie’s father, had worked on “Adventure” his whole life.
A past member of the Melrose Elks, Louie was also a life member of the Ipswich VFW Post 1093, serving for a time as a board member and as chaplain. He was also a member of the Conomo Point Association and the Telephone Pioneers of America, which elected him as president. Louie was also a regular Red Cross blood donor.
In his spare time Louie enjoyed gardening, golfing, hunting, fishing, and boating. The most important part of his life was his family. He was happiest in their company and proud of them all.
Louie was the beloved husband of Patricia J. (Casey) Amirault and devoted father of Karen Amirault (wife of Kevin Kelley), Richard Amirault (husband of JoAnne Ryan), John Timothy “JT” Amirault (husband of Patricia Darling), Suzanne DiMartino (wife of Tom DiMartino), and Tom Amirault (husband Evamarie Flower). Louie was the doting grandfather of Sidney Corren, Holly Polito and her husband Marc, the late Nicholas Amirault, Daniel Amirault and his wife Stevie, Michael Amirault and his fiancée Lynelle Schmidt, Jeffrey and Catherine Amirault, Max DiMartino, and Julian, Jarrett, Jayden, and Jyles Amirault. He was also the proud great-grandfather of Lily and Ryan Polito, as well as the devoted brother of Marilyn Waitt, Victor Amirault, Dianne Newhall, Josephine Alagata, Franklin Amirault, Mary Amirault, the late Anita Hall Simpson and the late Samuel Amirault.
Visiting hours were on Tuesday, Jan. 10, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St., Melrose. A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10:30 a.m. on Wed., Jan. 11, at St. Mary’s Church, 9 Herbert St., Melrose. Interment with military honors at Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Nicholas Ryan Amirault St. Mary’s School Scholarship Fund at 17 Mt Vernon Ave., Melrose MA 02176.
To leave an online message of condolence please visit gatelyfh.com.
