… a chance to serve
…a chance to touch
… a chance to heal
 Alfred W. Simoneau |
It is these guiding principles that Alfred W. Simoneau had in mind back in April 1908 when he established the Simoneau Funeral Home. They continue to be our guidance to this day.
Alfred saw the need for funeral service of distinctive quality and dependability for the area’s growing Catholic community. He began the operation of the funeral home at Busy Corner and later added a pharmacy and automobile service station at the same location. As time wore on, the service station was discontinued and the pharmacy became the Busy Corner convenience store and luncheonette.
His son, Arthur E. Simoneau in 1942, joined Alfred in the funeral profession. A series of renovations enlarged the funeral home to better serve the entire community. Arthur was well known as one of the state’s premier funeral directors. His advice and counsel are still used by the funeral home to this day.
J. Normand Paquette, Jr., a licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer fulfilled a lifelong dream in acquiring the funeral home in May of 2005. “While attending Gilford Middle-High School I spent my career day with Arthur Simoneau at the funeral home, he made a lasting impression on me, the value of what he did, and how the community counted on him, I could easily sense the pride he had of what he did. From that day on I knew funeral service was my calling.” “It is the Simoneau family’s tradition and commitment to the community I will continue to honor.”
Norm was born in Laconia, the son of the late J. Normand Paquette, and Nancy (Weeks) Paquette. He was raised and schooled in Gilford. Attended New England Institute of Applied Arts and Sciences at Mt. Ida College in Newton Centre, MA where he obtained his funeral service education. “I have had the great opportunity to experience many facets of funeral service over my career, and am now so pleased to be able to give back to a community that gave so much to me while I was growing up.”
Providing an immense amount of knowledge and support Norm’s former mentor, David L. Furber continues his career of over 40 years practicing funeral service in the Lakes Region here at Simoneau-Paquette Memorial Home. “I am so fortunate to have David here, he was the one who taught me to embalm, never pushy or demanding, he was patient, helpful, and understanding, a true asset to the profession.” His care and concern to those in their time of need never goes unnoticed, as he gives of himself unselfishly.”
Simoneau-Paquette Memorial Home also has a compliment of dependable and competent Support Staff.
The entire staff at Simoneau-Paquette Memorial Home thank you for visiting our site, and welcome you to stop by anytime to say hello, call, write, or e-mail. We’re here for you.
“We’re proud of what we do and honored to serve you.”