John Richard Gaudet

Firefighter John (JR) Richard Gaudet was a firefighter for 11 years with the City of Binghamton Fire Department, NY. He was killed when a wall collapsed at the scene of a fire, trapping him in the debris. He was rescued but succumbed to his injuries at the hospital on February 12th, 2025. He was 40 years old.

Gaudet was born at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Binghamton. His mother has worked as a nurse there for 40 years, his sister works there, and his 3 children were born there. He was raised by his parents, Charles and Mary Ellen Gaudet, along with his sister Katherine. He graduated from Binghamton High School in 2002, then attended Binghamton University and later transferred to the State University of NY (SUNY) at Cortland. John’s love of sports started early. He picked up a lacrosse stick at 8 years old and never put it down. He played in High School and then Binghamton University where his skills helped the Bearcats win their first America East Conference championship in 2004. He played lacrosse at SUNY Cortland during the 2007-2008 seasons, finishing as Division III national runners-up- a huge accomplishment he was incredibly proud of. He coached multiple youth sports teams including Binghamton High and Seton Catholic Central School. He also coached his son’s football, basketball and lacrosse teams.

Gaudet met his wife Felly online in a chat room, shortly after joining the Binghamton Fire Department. They met in person a few months later and after just three dates, they knew it was meant to be. They married in 2015 and went on to have three children, Charles, Vanessa and Michael. Gaudet always said “Binghamton is my city” and was proud to serve his community and protect the people in it. He had the ability to bring out the best in everyone the moment he walked into the firehouse. He made everyone else his priority and was the heartbeat of his squad. Gaudet set the standard for all who knew him, for how to live, how to love and how to serve others.

Fireman John “JR” Gaudet is survived by his loving wife Felly, his children Charles, Vanessa and Michael, his parents Charles and Mary Ellen Gaudet, his sister Katherine and many loving family members and friends.