John Stewart ”Stew” Paquette

Passed in peace Saturday, March 12, 2022 at the age of 83 in his Leesburg, FL residence.

Preceded in death by his adored wife of 48 years, Helen (Daigneau) Paquette, and his parents

Anatole J. Paquette, Sr. and Charlotte (Beede) Paquette. Loving father to Jay Paquette; Kiz

Gibson (Jim); Tia Carmichael (John); and Fay Paquette (Robin). Proud Grandfather, to Alex

Hurst (Joanne); Dillon Gibson; Stewart Carmichael (Finance Meagan); Jamison Paquette;

Madison Bennett (Braxton); Brianna Carmichael (Manuel); Jara Paquette; and Helen Paquette.

Great Grandfather to Liam, Noah and Ellie Hurst; Zephyr Carmichael; Ridge and Haze Bennett.

Further survived by brothers Anatole Paquette Jr.,Thomas Paquette, and sisters Constance

Madore, and Colleen Blood, nieces, nephews, and many other relatives. Stew will be fondly

remembered by family and friends as a beloved father, hardworking business owner in NH and

FL, as well as a nationally recognized collector of antiques.

Stewart spent his professional life honoring the legacy of his late father, AJ Paquette, with the

company Paquette Paving Company Inc.. Stew spent decades paving in the greater New

England area before moving with his family to Central FL in 1974. The business was

reestablished in Leesburg where he continued road building until he sold in 1998.

He went from owning Paquette Paving to establishing himself in the Leesburg community by

promoting the remembrance and preservation of the International Harvester Farmall Tractors. In

his “retirement years” he spent his time collecting and restoring rarities such as antique tractors,

signs, and the like, which are on display at the ‘Paquette’s Historical Farmall Tractor Museum’ in

Leesburg, FL. In his 83 years, Stewart became owner to one of the largest collections of

International Harvester machinery, dubbed “Stew’s Stuff”, in the nation/world, with a special

affinity for the Farmall Tractor. Stew was a pillar in the International Harvester community for

more than 20 years, for which he hosted an annual tractor event that attracted crowds from

around the nation. Stewart was also coordinator to the “Running of the Red” traveling event that

brought a caravan of tractors for miles to be marveled at The Villages town squares.

The legacy of Stewart Paquette continues in the hearts of all of those who were fortunate

enough to know and love him. He will be remembered not only as an integral member of the IH

community, but more importantly as a great man to all of his family and friends.

A celebration of life will be held at the Show Barn located at 615 S. Whitney Rd. Leesburg, FL

34748 on Saturday, April 2, 2022 at 2:00PM. In lieu of flowers, please make remembrance in his

name to Cornerstone Hospice.