Bernard F. Lajeunesse

BRADENTON, FL - Bernard F. “Bernie” Lajeunesse, 60, passed away suddenly on Sunday, August 6, 2023, at his home.

Born on August 28, 1962, in Barre, he was the youngest child of the late Fernand “Red” Lajeunesse and Lisette (Scalabrini) Brassard. He graduated from Spaulding High School in 1980, and shortly thereafter, opened a granite business, Brookside Memorials Inc., with his father. From there, a passion was born, and he became sole owner of that business at 27 years old. Bernie would go on to work in the stone industry for the rest of his days and became a master of his craft. During his 40-year career, he owned three different granite-related businesses Brookside Memorials, Stone Doctor, and Granite City Top Shop. His earlier career focused on creating granite masterpieces, while the latter years were concentrated on his Stone Doctor business, repairing stone, which was a unique, and specialized niche. His expertise was sought after for renowned memorials in several different states and Washington, DC.

On May 26, 1984, Bernie married his high school sweetheart, Joanne Roy in Barre. They started their family in Barre City and went on to have four children. As the family grew, they moved to different homes in Barre Town. Bernie was an excellent provider and was always willing to indulge his children in their “wants.” He supported his family of six, and fostered a wonderful upbringing for his kids, and of course, the beloved family dogs. Bernie made his final move to Florida in early 2019.

Aside from being a father, uncle was one of Bernie’s favorite roles. He was the fun uncle. At gatherings, his nieces, nephews, and other children always had his attention. He would often be seen holding and feeding babies, playing toss and catch with a baby in the air, crawling around on the floor chasing a toddler, or giving kids rides on whatever motorized toy the weather allowed. Bernie loved to laugh and to make people laugh. He always had an inappropriate joke ready for anyone who would listen. He picked things up quickly, never wanted the party to end, and was everybody’s buddy.

Bernie loved to go fast and found joy in anything with a motor that could be pushed to its limit. His summertime home away from home was Rider Hill in Derby, Vermont, where he raced motocross with his son, Alex, for many years. This was always a family affair, and Bernie would often bring all four of his kids to motocross tracks throughout Vermont and New England. He even traveled to indoor arenas to race in the off seasons. He also enjoyed riding snow machines and boating and riding street bikes. Bernie had a love for the drums. He learned to play as a young child and carried the skill into adulthood. When Bernie was driving, the rides included steering wheel drums to whatever song he was playing along the way.

Survivors include the love of his life, Joanne, his children Danielle Lajeunesse of Northfield, VT; Jenna Wydra (Justin) of Colchester, VT; Alex Lajeunesse (Katelyn) of Essex, VT; and Kasie Lajeunesse of Champaign, IL; his grandchildren Jahlani, Kaiya, Summer, Johann, Cameron and Sullivan; his cherished dog and companion, Eddie “Spaghetti”; and his loving siblings and their spouses Gerry Lajeunesse (Barb) of Venice, FL; Diane Quinlan (Bob) of Sarasota, FL; and Helen Allen; Donnie Lajeunesse (Peggy); and Debbie Lewis (Mark) all of Barre, VT; as well as his stepfather, James Brassard of Venice, FL and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his stepmother Bonnie Lajeunesse, his beloved nephew Richard “Ricky” Nicolino, and his dear friend and brother-in-law, Paul Allen.

The Service to honor and celebrate his life will be held on Friday, August 18, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. in the Hooker Whitcomb Funeral Home, 7 Academy Street, Barre.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Barre Community Relief Fund, PO Box 265, Barre, VT  05641, to donate by other means, please email info@badc.com