DUDLEY – Joseph Paul Bernier, 81, passed away Friday, November 9, 2018 in Harrington Healthcare at Hubbard after being stricken ill.
He leaves his wife of 61 years, Rose M. (Lemieux) Bernier; 2 daughters, Donna M. Gevry of Putnam, CT and Debra A. Girardin of Webster; 5 grandchildren, Jennifer R. Sargent and her husband Joseph, James M. Gevry, Jr. and his wife Cassie, Jessica A. Collette, Derek R. Girardin and Jarred P. Girardin; 4 great-grandchildren, Cody, Lee, Astrid and Wesley; a sister, Irene Reinstra of LaCrosse, WI; many nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by his brothers Andre, Rene and Francis Bernier, and by his sisters, Claire Paquin, Rita Chabot, Madeline Zulkiewicz, Gertrude Chaput and Agnes Wallen. He also leaves his beloved cat Pupu.
He was born in Killingly, CT, the son of Alfred J. and Angelina (Charest) Bernier. He lived in Webster for many years before moving to Dudley. He attended Putnam High School.
He served in the Army National Guard for over 5 years.
Mr. Bernier worked as a printer at American Greeting Card Company for 20 years, and then at New England Envelope Company in W. Boylston for another 20 years, retiring in 1996. He also was a custodial engineer at Oxford High School for about 2 years.
He was a member of Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Webster. He enjoyed golfing and belonged to the Thompson Golf Club and also the Nichols Golf Club. He was a life member of the Webster Fish and Game. He liked gardening.
The funeral will be held Friday, November 16, at 10:00 AM in Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, 16 E. Main St., Webster (please meet at the church). Visiting hours will be from 5:00 to 7:00 PM on Thursday, November 15, in Scanlon Funeral Service, 38 E. Main St., Webster. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Community Cat Connection, 289 Thompson Road, Webster, MA 01570.