L. Gilbert Biron

L. Gilbert (Gil) Biron, a quiet, humble, solitary man, passed away on Saturday, February 10, 2024 at Lee Health Care where he has resided for the past five months.
He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and uncle. He was born on February 8, 1940, in the Brightwood section of Springfield, MA, the son of Jules and Bernadette Guertin Biron.
As a young man he worked as a carpenters’ helper for Vadnais Construction and in Johnson’s Book Store in the Springfield area. His love of books and his talent in carpentry were a constant throughout his life and brought him great pleasure.
Gil’s family built a summer cottage on the North End of Shaw Pond in the early 1950’s which would begin to foster his love for the area.
After high school Gil served in the United Stated Army in the medical unit, and was honorably discharged in 1967. Following his service, Gil developed and built homes on Becket West Road. Gil was a member of the Carpenter’s Union until his retirement in 1998. 
Gil continued his love of reading and books by receiving his degree in literature at Westfield State University. It was there where he met his future wife, Peg, and they were married in a garden ceremony at her parent’s home in Pittsfield on August 29, 1970.
In 1979 the Birons moved to Lee and briefly stayed at the Red Shutters before purchasing a house on Housatonic Street which would become the family home, holding a special place in Gil’s heart. It was here where they would raise their children and create fond memories made from his favorite Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday celebrations and the summer vacations they shared. Gil treasured the welcoming feel he received from Lee and his neighbors over the years as they became like extended family.
Gil continued to put his love of carpentry to use and in 1979 he began renovations on his home and barn as well as adding a porch to their 42 Park Street property, then opening Gilly’s Book Store there in 1984. After the book store closed in 1987, a natural food store operated in the space for 24 years before Gil renovated that space into the home where he and Peggy would spend the last years of his life together. He loved watching the world go by while sitting on his front porch, or finding peace sitting in the park reading his books and listening to the water bubble from the restored Kilbon Fountain.
Gil was perhaps happiest being outside in nature. His annual canoe trips, riding his three-sped bicycle, strapping on a pair of ice skates and gliding carefree across Laurel Lake or simply walking his Marble Street loop and ending up at the Lee Library. Gil was a true Renaissance man.
Gil was predeceased in death by his parents and in-laws; his brother, Fr. Gerald Biron; his sister, Jeanine Lussier; and his two sons, Jules and Bradford Biron.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Margaret “Peggy”; his daughter, Celeste Biron Libby (Dave) and granddaughter, Ana, of Westbrook, ME; his son Brendan Ben Biron of Martha’s Vineyard, MA; his goddaughter, Monique Lussier; and his nephews, Mark Lussier, Pat McGowan and Mike McGowan and their respective families.
Per Mr. Biron’s wishes there are no formal services. Burial in Fairmount Cemetery, in Lee, will be private at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Gil, may make a donation in his name to either the Lee Library or  Berkshire Gateway Preservation, Inc. Checks made to either may be mailed in care of the Kelly Funeral Home, 3 Main St., Lee, MA 01238.