Gilles Michel Ratte

Gilles Michel Ratte, 93, passed away peacefully on February 23, 2024 at Hillsborough County Nursing Home.

Born in St-Adrien de Ham, Quebec, Canada on October 1,1930 to the late Thomas and Emma (Moffet) Ratte, he was one of 16 children.

As a young man, he left the family farm and worked for several years as a lumberjack.  He later served as a postal mail carrier in Weedon, Quebec. In 1968, Gilles immigrated with his wife and children to the United States to build a better life for his family.  He immediately settled the family in Manchester, New Hampshire, where he began work as a house painter.  Pursuing the American dream, he quickly established an excellent reputation in the trades and later started his own successful business.

Gilles was active in his community over the years.  He and his family were regular communicants at Sacred Heart church in Manchester.  He was also involved with La Rencontre (the Encounter), a local group of French-Canadian Catholics.  He received the honors of the Third Degree of the Knights of Columbus as part of the Manchester, NH Council, and was a member of the Legion of 1000 Men, an apostolate of the Sisters of the Precious Blood.

Gilles loved being with his family.  He also enjoyed woodworking, the outdoors and spending time at the ocean.  The simplest pleasures in life brought great joy to Gilles. Whether it was being present to his children and grandchildren, blueberry picking, or simply watching a comedy or Western on TV, his laughter and infectious smile were contagious to those around him. In his earlier years, he could be heard playing the harmonica while singing a French-Canadian song.  In his later years, it was his warm-hearted greetings and always positive outlook that kept his family, friends and especially his grandchildren smiling.

Gilles is survived by his four children and their spouses: Sylvie St. Hilaire and her husband Gary of Mechanicsburg, PA, Josie (Ratte) Gooch of Marysville, PA, Chantal Plante and her husband Jacques of Bedford, NH and Martine Cloutier and her husband Michael of Bedford, NH.  He also leaves behind his 13 grandchildren: Reverend Andrew St. Hilaire, Amanda, Michael, Thomas, Patrick, Paul, Wesley, Kara, Heidi, Victor, Jack, Alyssa, and Jessica; and his two great grandchildren: Olivette and Sophie. He also leaves behind 1 surviving brother, Jean-Guy Ratte.

All services will be private to family only. Lambert Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting the family with arrangements.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to:  The Sisters of the Precious Blood (700 Bridge St, Manchester, NH 03104) or to Sacred Heart Church (265 South Main Street, Manchester, NH 03102).  To leave a message of condolence, please go to www.lambertfuneralhome.com.