Bertrand J. Bilodeau

Bertrand J. Bilodeau, 87, of Manchester, passed away on October 16, 2012 peacefully at his residence.

He was born in Manchester on January 24, 1925, the son of Wilfred and Exilia (Bourassa) Bilodeau and had been a lifelong resident of the city. He was a World War II Army Veteran and served with the 3rd Armored Division. He had been a carpenter for Sanders Associates for 21 years, retiring in 1989. He was a past member of the Knights of Columbus and a member of the League of One Thousand Men of Precious Blood Monastery. He was a life member of the Catholic War Veterans where he was also the department historian. He loved to ski and hike. He belonged to the Appalachian Mountain Club and climbed 48 of NH's 4,000 foot peaks. Most of all he loved spending time with his family. He was the widower of Jacqueline (Robida) Bilodeau,who died in 2009 and was predeceased by one brother and two sisters.

Family members include two sons, Russell Bilodeau and his wife Regina of Manchester, and Paul Bilodeau and his wife Susan of Bedford; a daughter, Jeanne Soucy and her husband Jean of Manchester; eight grandchildren, Jeff Soucy, Tina Dalton, Ken Soucy, Adam Bilodeau, Shannon Palladino, Matthew Bilodeau, Lindsay Bilodeau, and Riley Bilodeau; four great grandchildren, Julianna Palladino, Cloe Palladino, Eva Palladino, and Seamus Dalton; and many nephews, nieces, and cousins.

Calling hours will be at Phaneuf Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 250 Coolidge Ave on Sunday from 1 to 4 PM and 6:30 to 8:30 PM. Courtesy valet parking will be provided during the evening calling hours. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday morning at 10:00 AM in St. Pius X Church. A graveside committal service with military honors will follow in Mt. Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Hillsborough County Nursing Home, Patient Fund, 400 Mast Rd., Goffstown, NH 03045. For more information or to view an on-line Tribute, go to www.phaneuf.net