Aurele H. "Shorty" Gamache

One of Last Remaining Local Veterans of WWIIAurele H. Shorty Gamache, age 91, beloved husband of 57 years of the late Mary E. (Fitzgerald) Gamache, died Friday, April 25, in Fall River after a brief illness. He was the father of Ronald M. Gamache (wife Cynthia) of Somerset, MA, Richard E. Gamache (late wife Kirsten) of Barrington, RI, John M. Gamache of Bristol, RI., Marian Desrochers of New Hampshire, and the late Ann Marie Barrow (husband Scott Barrow) of Dartmouth, MA.Mr. Gamache is survived by 8 grandchildren, Sally Gamache, Emily Gamache, Gwenyth Barrow, Patrick Barrow, Daniel Gamache, Matthew Gamache, Benjamin Gamache and Timothy Gamache.The brother of Andre Gamache of Fall River, and the late Mercedes Gamache, Maurice Gamache, Mariette Fournier, Reverend Flavius Gamache, Julian Gamache, Reverend Lionel Gamache and Robert Gamache, he was son of the late Henri and Olivine (Levasseur) Gamache and leaves many nieces and nephews.A communicant of St. Annes Church, he was a 1941 graduate of B.M.C. Durfee High School. He lived in Fall River all of his life. One of six brothers who served their country during World War II, Mr. Gamache was a member of the 66th Black Panther Division, stationed in Lorient, France, and other parts of Europe. He was a French interpreter and radio operator. He received numerous medals including the Combat Infantrymans Badge, the Bronze Star, American Defense, Army Commendation, American Campaign, European Theater, Victory, Occupation, Army Reserves, and Army Component Medals. In 2011, Mr. Gamache was decorated with the National Order of the Legion of Honour by the Government of France, for his role in the liberation of France during World War II. Mr. Gamache remained in the Army Reserve for 40 years, retiring at the rank of Chief Warrant Officer - 4. Mr. Gamache was a toll test operator for New England Telephone in New Bedford, MA, for 37 years.His funeral will be held Wednesday, April 30, at 10 A.M. from the AUCLAIR FUNERAL HOME, 690 South Main St., Fall River, with a Mass at St. Annes Church at 11 A.M. Burial with military honors at Notre Dame Cemetery.Calling hours Tuesday, April 29 from 4:00 to 8:00 P.M. LARGE PARKING AREA and BARRIER-FREE ENTRANCE at the rear of funeral home. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the St. Annes Church Restoration Fund, 818 Middle St., Fall River, MA 02721.