Obituary of Leo Gionet

Leo was born in Caraquet, NB on January 18, 1939. The son of Leonard and Anna (Albert) Gionet and the beloved husband of Catherine (Robichaud) of 59 years. 

Leo and Catherine met in Montreal and married in 1963, they travelled across Canada living in various cities/towns.  Mining brought them to Sussex area and both settled happily at their home in Penobsquis. 

He was a very devoted father of Natalie and her husband Chris Langdon of California, Chantal and her husband Manu Rezvani of Toronto, Joanne and her husband Mike Thorne of Alberta, and proud grandpa of Alisha and her fiancé Kevin Moloney and Liam, whom he loved and enjoyed spending time with.

As a father, he provided his “girls” with the self-confidence to do anything in life and encouraged them to do so.  Leo was devoted to his family and close friends.  He will be missed, remembered and cherished by many. Leo lived his life with dignity, he believed in always providing a helping hand to whoever was in need.  He always gave without the expectation of receiving anything in return. 

Part’s of Leo’s legacy are scattered across Canada, in bridges, homes, mines, rivers, lakes, hunting fields!  He believed strongly in a hard day’s work, even after retirement. Leo passed away suddenly in Tracadie on July 18, 2022.

His last days were spent enjoying family, not far from his childhood home of Caraquet.  He got to say a few goodbyes to the fortunate who were with him. May he finally get his long deserved rest and be at peace. 

He will live on in the hearts of his sister and brothers: Reg and his wife Carol of Manitouwadge, ON, Roger and his wife Leona of Sussex, NB, Lionel and his wife Diane of St. Aime Des Lac, Quebec. His sisters-in-law: Claudette and Mabel both of Manitouwadge, ON,  as well as by several nieces, nephews and cousins. 

Leo is predeceased by his sisters: Magella, Marie-Estelle and her husband Albanie, Valmont and his wife Gisele, Paul and his wife Éveline, Julien, Gilles, Lorenzo, Alyre and his wife Lydia;  

A private celebration of life with close friends and family will be held at a later date. 

The family would like to express their gratitude and appreciation to all who have helped with the care of both Catherine and Leo over the years, particularly to our devoted family-neighbors Norbert and Sarah Strang. 

Memorial donations made to medical research - Parkinson’s, Dementia, Heart & Lung diseases would be greatly appreciated by the family.