Ret LT. Robert A Sideleau Loving Husband and Father, Marine war hero, retired Fire Dept. Lieutenant. LEOMINSTER -- Robert A Sideleau, 90, of Leominster, passed away early Thursday morning, March 20th, 2014 after a brief illness, with his family by his side . Bob was born in Leominster on August 2, 1923, a son of the late Aime and Amanda Sideleau. After high school where he played basketball and hockey in a semi pro league, he proudly enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. Bobs passions in life were truly his family, helping others in times of emergencies and protecting them in time of war. He is survived by his loving wife Doris (Girouard) Sideleau, one daughter Jayne Sideleau of Leominster, 3 sons, Steven R. Sideleau of Fitchburg, Kevin M. Sideleau of Leominster, Robert A. Sideleau, II and his wife Shelley Sideleau of Leominster. His granddaughters Mackenzie and Madison Sideleau and his cousin Jean Gamache and her husband Roger Gamache of Fitchburg. Also cousins, nieces , nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. Along with many great friends. He was loved as a husband, a father, a grandfather, a cousin and an uncle and as a very special friend to many. He gave us strength and caring in time of trouble, confidence in time of uncertainty, wisdom in confusing times. His unselfish giving in time of need and his sharing of happiness will always be missed. He will always be by our side. Lt. Robert A. Sideleau, Engine 4, Group 3 Retired. Robert “Bob” Sideleau served his country in the U.S. Marines during World War II from March 19, 1943 until December 15, 1945 first as a field radio operator, and then a high speed radio operator with a newly formed Signal Company, assisting pilots in their landings in the Pacific Theater. Bob was in the 1st wave to land on Guam during the invasion and capture of that island. He also made the beach landing on Iwo Jima B+1 red beach. Upon his return to Leominster he began his career with the Leominster Fire Department on March 7, 1950, when he was assigned as a call firefighter with Engine 3. On July 24, 1950, he again answered the call to serve his country, when he returned to the U.S. Marine Corps in Korea, in charge of the radio team for a 4.2 mortar outfit, seeing battle at the Chosin Reservoir, whereby those Marines became known as the “Chosin Few”. Upon his return from Korea in March 1951, he was reinstated to the call force, becoming a permanent firefighter on January 1, 1952. On October 18, 1957 he was injured while battling a fire at Harris Ice Cream on North Main Street suffering from the inhalation of ammonia fumes. He was promoted to Lieutenant on April 23, 1963 and assigned to Group 2 Headquarters. He eventually transferred to Group 3 in 1970. On August 23, 1972 he was one of 7 firefighters injured while battling a Two-Alarm fire in a warehouse of the C & T Trucking Company on Mohawk Drive and on February 15, 1973 during a Three-alarm blaze that struck the Goguen Block, located at 30-42 Mechanic Street he received injuries to his chest and ribs when a pin connected to a deck gun broke, throwing him to the ground. Lt. Robert Sideleau retired May 16, 1984. Bob was a member of the Disabled American War Veterans, the “Chosin Few“, the Marine Corps League, Hose 4, the Leominster Lodge of Elks and the St. Jean Club in Leominster. . Funeral services and burial will be private. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675. The Silas F. Richardson & Son Funeral Home, 106 West Street is assisting the family with arrangements.
Posted on: Sat, 22 Mar 2014 05:17:28 +0000
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