Gilbert "Skippy" Letarte

SALEM – Mr. Gilbert “Skippy” Letarte, beloved husband of Lorraine (Charron) Letarte, with whom he was married for 71 years, passed away at home surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, January 18th, 2023.

Born and raised in Salem he was the son of the late Benjamin and Margaret (McCadden) Letarte. He received his education at St. James Grammar School and St. Mary’s Boys High School in Lynn, class of 1948. After graduation he went on to attend Boston College for 2 years.

Mr. Letarte was honorably discharged from the U.S.N.R. after service 8 years. He was a life long resident of Salem. Gilbert owned and operated a fruit and vegetable business in Boston, Middleton, and the Derby Street Market in Salem. He also worked as a contract driver for the U.S. Mail D.E.C.O. Company. Gilbert possessed a strong work ethic in which is passed on to his children and grandchildren. He was a strong advocate for the rights and duties of the citizens of Salem and spoke at many of the board meetings.

Nothing was stronger than Gilbert’s love for his family, expressed through his caring and positive outlook on life. He always took pride in life’s milestones and accomplishments.

In addition to his beloved wife, Lorraine, Gilbert is survived by his children; Diane Clark and her husband, Jeff of Salem, Carol Stetson and her husband, Edward of Salem, and Raymond Letarte and his wife, Maryanne of Salem. Grandchildren; Brian, Michelle, Christopher, Michael, Jeanie, Jennifer, Charron, Andrew, and David, along with Great-Grandchildren; Thomas, Beatrice, Myra, Martin, Matthew, Cameron, Leah, Tyler, Olivia, Connor, Doyle, and Maisie, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Gilbert is Preceded in death by his brother, James Letarte and his wife, Carole, and his sister ,Agnes Hart and her husband, James.

ARRANGEMENTS: Relatives and Friends are invited to attend visiting hours at O’Donnell Cremations – Funerals – Celebrations, 84 Washington Sq., (at Salem Common) SALEM, Tuesday, Jan 24th from 8:30 to 10:30 A.M. Gilbert’s Funeral Mass will follow at 11 A.M. in Saint Thomas the Apostle Parish, 1 Margin St., Peabody. Burial in Saint Mary’s Cemetery, Salem. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to the Beth Israel Lahey Health Hospice, Gift Processing Center, 41 Mall Road, Burlington, MA 01805. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gilbert "Skippy" Letarte, please visit our floral store.