Paxton - Gerard A. Bernier, 82, of Paxton, passed away while surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, January 30th in UMass Memorial Medical Center – Memorial Campus after a brief illness.
Mr. Bernier is survived by his wife of 57 years, Constance B. (Bourget) Bernier; a son, Gregory R. Bernier and his wife April of Worcester; three daughters, Carol J. Arsenian and her significant other, Roger Campbell of Rockport, MA, Kathleen M. Dillaire and her husband, Allen of Worcester and Amy L. Locke and her husband, Eric of Paxton; a daughter in law, Kaycee Bernier of Sheffield, MA; a brother, Leonel Bernier of Miami, FL; a sister; Rita Jarest of Cumberland, RI; 13 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren and many nephews and nieces.
Gerard was born in Central Falls, RI, son of the late Leo and Yvonne (Lacoste) Bernier and is predeceased by two sons, Jerry and Gilbert Bernier; a brother, Joseph Bernier and two sisters, Susie Tetreault and Pauline Mayo.
Mr. Bernier worked for the Town of Paxton for 26 years retiring in 1990 and previously worked for Anna Maria College. While working for Paxton, he was the Head Custodian at Paxton Center School and also worked as a Linesman for the Paxton Light Department. Gerard also volunteered a great deal of time to the Town of Paxton as a Volunteer Firefighter for many years as well as coordinating the Fireman’s Annual Ball with his wife for over 10 years and he also organized the annual 4th of July Picnic for the town for numerous years.
He was a member of Saint Columba Church and enjoyed fishing, woodworking and doing puzzles. Gerard was also an accomplished ballroom dancer in his younger years.
The funeral will be held on Monday, February 4th from the Alfred Roy & Sons Funeral Home 12 Hammond St. Worcester with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 AM in St. Columba Church 10 Richards Ave. Paxton. Burial will follow in Mooreland Cemetery. Calling hours are on Sunday, February 3rd from 1 to 4 PM in the funeral home. Memorial contributions in Mr. Bernier’s memory may be made to Turn Back Time Camp 250 Marshall street Paxton, MA 01612.
To share a memory of Mr. Bernier with her family, offer a message of condolence, or for directions, please visit www.Royfuneral.com