WILFRED JAMES BISSONNETTE

WILFRED JAMES BISSONNETTE - WILLISTON - Wilfred James Bissonnette of Taft Farms, Williston, died Friday, Feb. 17, 2012, in Fletcher Allen Health Care. He was 94 years old. He was born at home on Jan. 23, 1918, to Anne (Proulx) Bissonnette and William Bissonnette, in Malone, N.Y. He graduated from nursing school at King City Hospital in Brooklyn, N.Y. in 1942, where he met his wife, then Halina Blaskowitz. He attended New York University where he was awarded a bachelor of science degree in nursing. He served in World War II as an Army medic in the European theatre and on the Pan American Highway. He worked at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Brooklyn, N.Y., and the Staten Island Hospital. He was a Boy Scout leader and was involved in Saint Paul's Roman Catholic Church in Staten Island. Bill had a zest for life and socializing. He enjoyed road trips, camping, gardening, Amway, and spending time with his family and friends. Bill was well-known for his rare and quirky sense of humor. He took great pleasure in the various game nights and community activities with his friends at Taft Farms, where he will be greatly missed. Bill was also an avid sweepstaker and kept up with technology, working daily on his computer. Bill was devoted to Charlotte Larrabee, his longtime sweetheart, who he would visit daily at Burlington Rehabilitation. He is survived by his children, Wilfred J. Bissonnette II and his wife, Ellen, of Bristol, Mona Gambardella of Cornwall, Robert Bissonnette and wife, Allyson, of Queens, N.Y., and Susan Bissonnette of Woodstock, N.Y.; nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Bill was predeceased by his wife, Halina Bissonnette, mother of his five children; daughter, Maura Ann; and his wife, Josephine (Padd) Bissonnette of Cheektowaga, N.Y. A Mass will be celebrated today, Monday, Feb. 20, 2012, at 4:30p.m. at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 7415 Williston Road, Williston.