The Mendon Council on Aging is pleased to announce that this year, husband and wife Leo and Peg Tetreault have been chosen as Mendon Senior Citizens of the Year. They have both served Mendon for much of their lives.

Leo Tetreault Jr., a life-long resident of Mendon, was initially in a partnership with his father in the family business, Mendon’s Lakeside Garage, while both serving as volunteer firemen. When a call came in, they closed the shop and responded. 

Public safety ultimately became Leo’s chosen path as he worked at the Highway Department for 20 years (1982-2002) and served as a Firefighter for the town from 1968-2002, rising to the rank of Deputy Chief like his father before him.

Leo, an Air Force Veteran, served from 1964-1968 during the Vietnam War era. His service is honored on the plaque in the center of the town. Leo became a member of the Mendham Brothers of the Brush in 1967 while serving overseas.

Peg began working for the town in 1988 when she was elected as the Town Clerk. She stayed in this role for 12 years until 2000. She has also served as a Select Board member briefly due to resignations on the Board. Once Peg left the Clerk’s office, she worked as Administrative Assistant (this position was changed to Town Administrator) in the Select Board’s office until 2006 when she retired. Peg came out of retirement in 2013 and took the job as Assistant Town Clerk. She remained in this role until her second retirement in 2024.

In addition to her employment, Peg was a member of the Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary. She served as the Executive Director of the Mendon Housing Authority from 1985-2000. She served on the Town’s Insurance Advisory Committee. She is currently Treasurer of the Swandale Cemetery Association.

Peg also spent time volunteering at the Mendon Senior Center working on their annual book sale. Peg still serves as a poll worker for town elections.

Leo and Peg have been married for 56 years. They raised their son and daughter in Mendon and have two grandchildren.

Please join us in congratulating Leo and Peg and plan to attend the annual Senior Citizen Day sponsored by the Mendon Lions Club. The event is a time to honor all senior citizens, and is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 21, at 11:30 a.m. at the Unitarian Church of Mendon/Uxbridge, 13 Maple St., Mendon. Please call 508-478-6175 or stop by the Mendon Senior Center to register for this event.

The Mendon Council on Aging would like to thank everyone who submitted nominations for this year’s Senior Citizen of the Year award. Since 1978, a deserving person (or persons) has been awarded the annual distinction. The chosen Mendon resident, aged sixty or older, generally exemplifies a spirit of public service and has made a positive difference in the community.