David Joseph Bernier Sr.

1942 - 2025

David Joseph Bernier, Sr.

Chelsea, VT - On Sunday, December 28, 2025 we lost David Joseph Bernier Sr., 83 years old, a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend to complications from pneumonia.

David was born on July 13, 1942 in Mystic, Connecticut to Amos and Ruth (Gushea) Bernier. When he was just nine months old, his family moved to Vermont. Throughout his childhood, David attended 13 different elementary schools before graduating from Spaulding High School in 1960. Perhaps all of this moving during his early years shaped the man he became; deeply protective, generous, and devoted to his family.

In February 1966 David married Jean Kennedy. Aside from military service in Germany, they lived their entire married lives in Chelsea. David was extremely proud of his 20 years of military service. He served 10 years in the United States Army, including two separate assignments in Germany: Garmisch and Mannheim where he served as Tank Commander and Supply Sargent simultaneously. David was awarded the Army Commendation Medal. He also served 10 years in the National Guard, including eight years in the military police. While in Germany for three years, their son David Jr. was born.

For much of his working life, David was employed in various granite sheds in Barre, Vermont where he cut granite gravestones by hand and operated a diamond saw. Later, he worked for VTC Security until his retirement.

David loved being with family and friends and was well known for his sense of humor, often recounting funny Army and work stories. He delighted in pulling pranks, dancing to rock-and-roll music, swimming in his pond, and sharing laughter with those around him. Above all else, David loved his family; especially his four grandchildren, of whom he was immensely proud; and, of course, his beloved cats. His generosity, kindness, and humor will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

David is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Jean (Kennedy) Bernier; his son, David Bernier Jr,; his daughter Deanna (Bernier) Perreault, and her husband Timothy; his cherished grandchildren, David Y. Bernier, Julia Bernier, Zebulon Perreault, and Ella Perreault; and his sister, Donna Jewett, and her husband, Maurice. He was predeceased by his brother, Donald Bernier in 2020.

The Boardway & Cilley Funeral Home in Chelsea, VT are in charge of arrangements. Per David's wishes, there will be no public service; instead a graveside celebration will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Montpelier Humane Society, 1589 VT RTE 14 South, East Montpelier, VT 05651.

A private message of sympathy for the family can be shared at www.boardwayandcilley.com.