Bernard Leo Charron, 87, of Panton

# Bernard Leo Charron, 87, of Panton

Bernard Leo Charron died after a life marked by steady work, service, family, and outdoor pursuits. Born April 6, 1939, in Cornwall, Vermont, he grew up on a farm and attended a one-room schoolhouse. He later served in the U.S. Army, pursued a long career in telecommunications, and remained active in his community and hobbies throughout his life.

Early life and education

Military service

In October 1958 Charron joined the U.S. Army. He completed basic training at Fort Dix, New Jersey, and further training at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. He served three and a half years in the Army Corps of Engineers, spending two and a half years stationed in Stuttgart, Germany.

Career

After leaving the Army in 1962, Charron began working for New Jersey Bell Telephone Company. He initially took a janitor position to get a start, then advanced over seven years to lineman, installer, and repairman. He married Maureen McMullen on Oct. 20, 1962, in Ewing, New Jersey. Their family grew with daughter Linda born in 1964 and son Michael in 1966.

Personal life, hobbies, and community involvement

Charron lived in an old farmhouse in Ferrisburgh until 1997, then moved to Panton into a house built by his son Michael. He enjoyed cutting and splitting wood on land he once owned in Brandon. He and Maureen traveled across the continental United States in their van and spent many vacations in Florida at Amelia Island. He bicycled, rode a motorcycle, canoed on Otter Creek, and liked taking his golf cart down to the creek where he spent many hours.

He belonged to the American Legion and Telephone Pioneers and volunteered for Meals on Wheels.

Family and survivors

Funeral and memorial

A Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Monday, Sept. 21, at St. Peter's Church in Vergennes. A private burial will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Addison County Home and Hospice.