Ludger E. "Skip" Guillmette

Obituary for Ludger E. “Skip” Guillemette

Ludger E. “Skip” Guillemette, 91, passed into spirit on October 24, 2026 surrounded by his wife and children.

Born in Swansea, Massachusetts to the late Felix and Maria (Paquette) Guillemette, he grew up surrounded by many aunts, uncles and cousins. While still a boy, his family moved to West Warwick RI, where he graduated early from West Warwick High School, class of 1953. As a boy he enjoyed fishing. After nearly drowning he became a certified lifeguard, saving many lives across the years. He also boxed in the Bantam division of the Golden Gloves.

Upon graduating in December 1952, Skip joined the RI Air National Guard and later transferred to the Connecticut Air National Guard where he rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant as a crew chief for the Flying Yankees as part of the 102nd Fighter Interceptor Wing at Bradley Field in Windsor Locks.

In 1956, Skip met the love of his life, Lorraine “Laurie” Frenette. They were married June 13, 1959. They had two children, Mike and Donna, and later beloved grandsons Lucas, as well as Nate and Zach.

Skip had learned a great deal about horticulture and the nursery business through his work with the Savella brothers at Bald Hill Nursery in Exeter, RI, and where he earned his nickname “Skippy”. Because of their tutelage, Skip became the owner of East Hartford Nursery Corp. in 1963. He continued to grow his business and later became a member of the Connecticut Nurserymen's Association and a member of the East Hartford branch of Rotary Club International. Skip was also among the first class of Master Gardeners to graduate from the University of CT County Extension Service. Later in life, Skip worked at Lynch Motors in Manchester, CT selling Toyotas, where he assisted many customers and was frequently salesman of the month.

Skip enjoyed several hobbies in his time off. He loved walks in the woods, fishing, kayaking and golfing. Skip also took a great deal of time to become a scout leader for BSA Troop 57, of which he helped his grandson and countless other young men. He enjoyed summer camps and winter camping for many years and made many good friends along the way, including Mike Sobol of Bolton, CT. He took great pleasure in being a member of the “Cribbage Club”, earning his double skunk award recently.

Later in life, he found his home in Brownington, Vermont, where he leaves many friends and neighbors, including four legged friends that he loved so well at the Arnold’s Farm and Rescue Center.

Skip is survived by his wife of 67 years, Lorraine Guillemette. He is also survived by his son Michael Guillemette and his wife Tracy and their sons Nate and Zach Gygell as well as his great granddaughter Natalia. He is also survived by a daughter, Donna Veo, and a beloved grandson, Lucas Veo, His sistersTerri Charron (Richard Charron) and Madeleine Sanocki, both of Florida as well as many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.

Skip was predeceased by his parents as well as six brothers, Gerry, Larry, Louis, George, Paul and Felix and his sisters Gertrude and Annette.

A memorial Mass will be held at Our Lady of Czestochowa Catholic Church, 445 Washington St. Coventry, RI on November 12 at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Arnold’s Rescue Center of Brownington Vermont. You may make donations at www.arnoldsrescuecenter.org

Burial will be private at the convenience of the family.