Donald Brideau

Donald E. Brideau, 85, of Gardner, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 24, 2025, in Boston Medical Center.

Born on August 2, 1939, in Gardner, Don was the son of the late Lionel and Margaret (Murray) Brideau. A proud graduate of Notre Dame High School in Fitchburg, Class of 1956, he continued his education at Mount Wachusett Community College, earning an Associate Degree in Business Administration.

Don honorably served as a United States Air Force Peacetime Veteran from 1956 to 1960. He went on to work as a Service Technician for Ricoh Industries in Boston, where he remained a valued employee until his retirement in 2010.

Don was deeply involved in community life as a committed member of the Knights of Columbus, the Jaycees, and the Lions Club. He found joy in simple pleasures-bowling, visiting the casino, solving crossword puzzles, traveling, and spending cherished moments at the family camp on Lower Naukeag Lake in Ashburnham. For years, Don and his beloved wife Diane enjoyed weekly country line dancing, a pastime that brought smiles and togetherness. In recent years, Don thoroughly enjoyed putting a smile on everyone's face by wearing one of his many humorous t-shirts-a small gesture that reflected his playful nature and love for laughter. Above all, Don treasured time spent with family.

He is survived by his daughters, Wendy Poudrette and her husband Dino of Ashburnham, and Angela Ikonen and her husband Rich of Gardner; his brother Roger Brideau; and his sisters, Elaine Leger and her husband Ron, and Patty Driscoll, all of Gardner. Don was a proud grandfather to Shane Langelier, Jocelyn Poudrette, and Kelsey Ikonen. He also leaves behind several nieces, nephews, and cousins who will dearly miss his warmth and wit.

He was predeceased by his cherished wife, Diane (Tourigny) Brideau, who passed in 2020, as well as by his sister-in-law, Christa Brideau.

Don lovingly referred to himself as "a good egg," and those who knew him wholeheartedly agree.

Chapel services with Military Honors will be held Thursday, August 7, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. in the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 111 Glenallen Street, Winchendon, MA

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Holy Family Academy, 99 Nichols Street, Gardner, MA. Please reference in memory of Donald Brideau.