Hector A. Gauthier, Jr.

Hector A. “Happy Hec” Gauthier, Jr. 80, of Fall River, who was a local radio announcer, community supporter, and friend to all, passed away on Friday, November 24, 2023 surrounded by his loving family.

Born December 15, 1942 in Cambridge, Massachusetts to Hector A. and Jeannette (Pelissier) Gauthier, he graduated from Prevost High School, class of 1960. He went on to attend and graduate from a Radio Broadcasting School in Boston, MA in 1962; thus beginning his long and celebrated career as a radio personality.

For over 60 years, "Happy Hec'' was the voice of Fall River's favorite radio station. You might have heard his trademark style voice on WALE, WHTB, and WSAR over the years, but he is best known for anchoring his morning radio show "Bristol County Breakfast Club." Every morning at 5 a.m., he entered our homes and hearts, reporting on everything from school closings to birthday announcements to inspiring interviews and so much more. During his career with WSAR, he was also the Program Director, General Manager, Chief Operator, V.P. General Manager, News Reporter, Production Director, Account Executive and Copy Writer.

Respected, honored, and revered for his work, he won numerous AP, MBA and Southeastern Massachusetts Advertising awards. In 2000, he was named Radio Broadcaster of the Year by the Massachusetts Broadcaster's Association.

Known for his dedicated community service, he truly connected, listened, and cared because he always took a genuine interest in people. He was named "Man of the Year" by the March of Dimes, "Friend of Education" by the Fall River Educational Association, and received the "Outstanding Community Service Recognition Award" from the Fall River Chamber of Commerce and Industry, as well as numerous other accolades and awards from various organizations. He served on the Board of Directors of the Fall River Chamber of Commerce, Samaritans, The Boy Scouts of America, and the Fall River Rotary Club.

He is survived by his beloved wife Maureen (Harrington) Gauthier of 56 years, his twin sister, Marguerite “Maggie” Gauthier, and daughter, Lisa Ramsey (husband David); grandson, Christopher James Dube; great grandson Zedek James Dube; and step grandsons Joshua, Scott and Ryan Ramsey. He was the brother of the late Yolande Fiola.

Visitation will be held Friday, December 1, from 3:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at the Auclair Funeral Home, 690 S. Main St. Fall River.

His funeral will be held Saturday, December 2 at 10:00 A.M. at St. Joseph Church, North Main St. Fall River. Meet directly at  church. Burial, Notre Dame Cemetery. Flowers will be accepted or consider donating to your favorite charity in his name. Condolences at Auclair FuneralHome.com.

Signing off one last time, “If I don’t see you, I’ll see you.”