Farmington Obituary: George Nadeau, 82

George Nadeau, 82, of Unionville, departed this physical world on Tuesday, November 10, 2015 at home with family.

George was born on December 6, 1932 on Soucy Hill in Winterville, ME to Mamie Soucy Nadeau and Ernest Nadeau. The youngest of 8, he grew up on “the farm” in Aroostook County with his horse Queenie, hard work, a loving family and a lot of snow. He graduated from Ricker Classical Institute in Houlton, ME and served as an MP in the Korean War. Later he graduated from Hartford Technical Institute.

He was a man of many talents and careers and was employed at New Departure in Bristol where he met his wife Maureen O’Regan Nadeau. But his true passion was horticulture. George started growing African violets in the basement, grafting roses in the yard and eventually renting greenhouse space and selling geraniums. That passion became Farmington Gardens Nursery which grew from a single greenhouse to a thriving garden center and landscape firm.

George loved watching Saturday morning cartoons with his girls, good wine, good manners, classical music, a crisp pair of khakis and a pair of dirty bucks. Those who worked for him remember him as demanding but fair. His daughters never saw the demanding side, just the unconditional love and an amazing sense of humor coupled with a wonderful laugh.

He is survived by Maureen, his loving wife of 55 years, daughters Elizabeth and Patricia Nadeau, son in law David Bourassa, grandchildren Maxwell and Frazier Maloney, Wynn, Emma and Ethan Bourassa. He is also survived by his sister Mildred and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his sisters Teresa Morneault, Rella Daniels and Lydia Brown and brothers Everett Nadeau, Joseph Nadeau, and Edgar Nadeau. He also leaves Leo Veletnik who helped Maureen care for him in his last years.

Never liking to be the center of attention, we forgo calling hours for a Memorial Mass at 10:00am on Monday, November 16, 21015 in the Church of St. Mary Star of the Sea, 145 Main St., Unionville.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorial donations to the Alzheimer’s Association of CT, 200 Executive Blvd., Suite 4B, Southington, CT 06489 or Favarh, The Arc of the Farmington Valley, 225 Commerce Dr., Canton, CT 06019.