MOUNT VISION - Gerald "Jeff" Boudreau, 94, of Laurens, passed away on Sept. 1, 2022. The longtime proprietor and "chef" at Boudreau's diner and store in Laurens was a much beloved member of the community.

Jeff was born in Nova Scotia, Canada, on Nov. 14, 1927. He spent his youth in Nova Scotia, before emigrating to the United States with his family.

He served in Japan as part of the U.S. Army occupational forces. He often said that the Army put him on a plane to return home from Japan, and it was the last plane he was ever on.

Following his service, Jeff began working for the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation. He was a climber and pruner, which led to a deep knowledge of trees and a lifelong love of birds and all things flora.

On Nov. 26,1955, he married the love of his life Susan (McDermott) in Staten Island. They moved together into the house that they had bought and renovated before the wedding, and eventually raised eight children there.

After 20 years with the Parks Department, Jeff began his "retirement," but retirement for Jeff wasn't the traditional path. In 1977 he and Susan opened Boudreau's in Laurens. Staffed by family, Boudreau's operated as a general store and gas station for about 10 years, and ultimately as a diner for more than 30 years, open every day except Christmas. Boudreau's was a fixture in the local community for 41 years, serving all who had heard of its reputation for good food and wonderfully casual atmosphere.

The later years of the diner truly epitomized who Jeff was as a person. Boudreau's offered an experience that was familial, fun and a little surreal. Customers looked forward to the loving and teasing banter between Jeff and Sue. Jeff would cook the meals and tally customers' bills while engaging in lively conversation, leaving a pile of coins and stray bills for customers to make their own change. This merely scratches the surface of how trusting and patient Jeff was as a person. Perhaps the best summary of Jeff and his approach to business were his signs behind the counter. One read, "Grill closes at 10:30...Golf starts at 11:15." Another said, "Order what you want, eat what you get."

Jeff was an avid golfer for more than 40 years and made a lasting impression on all he encountered at many local courses. His affable manner and steady play made him a favorite partner of many.

He took great pride in maintaining his property in Laurens, a task which he was determined to accomplish regardless of what Mother Nature had in mind. Whether it was riding his lawn tractor, swinging from trees during his younger years to shape his precious landscaping, or wading through the several feet of water during the 2006 flood, Jeff was always on the move.

Boudreau's finally closed in 2018 and his beloved Susan passed away from COVID in 2021. Jeff sold the property and moved to a newly constructed house on property adjacent to his daughter Margaret Fraser's home in Mount Vision.

Jeff is survived by his elder sister, Marion; brother, Buddy (Harriet) and sister, Ruth Ann. He is also survived by his children, David (Rolinda) Boudreau, Kathleen (Jerry) McAloon, Susan (Roy) Tario, Elizabeth Boudreau (Peter Smorto), Margaret (Allan, deceased) Fraser, Gerald Boudreau, Jennifer Boudreau (Lou Herman) and Jeanne (Edwin) Malone. Jeff loved his many grandchildren, (who called him Chi Chi), Dan, Kevin, and Kate McAloon; Nick, Chris, and Andrew Tario; Jack and Dominic Smorto; David and Claire Fraser; Meghan and Christian Boudreau; Emily and Jake Herman; Sydney and Isaac Malone. He also leaves three great-grandchildren, Rebecca, Abby and Thomas McAloon.

Jeff was predeceased by his wife, Susan; and daughter, Amy.

Friends and family are invited to a casual celebration of life at his home in Mount Vision (301 Gardnertown Road) at 1 p.m., Sept. 24.

His family has entrusted his care to the Johnston & Stanimer Funeral Home in Morris.

Share condolences at www.johnstonfh.com.