Name: Calling hours for Jean Paul Berard
Start: 2014-01-08T20:00:00.000Z
End: 2014-01-09T00:00:00.000Z
Location: Molloy Funeral Home - West Hartford

Jean Paul Berard, 86, beloved husband, father, and teacher, of West Hartford died Monday, January 6, 2014 at St. Francis Hospital. He was married to his soul mate Marion Parker Berard for 62 years. Born in Hartford, CT on December 30, 1927, he was the son of the late Victor and Christine (Kinney) Berard. Jean Paul was a graduate of Weaver High School Class of 1946 where he played on the football team and began his lifelong commitment to community service, raising funds for the Community Chest. He was drafted into the Army upon graduation and assigned to the 19th C.I.D, during the Occupation of Japan. His great heart enabled him to see beyond the brutality of war to the individuals he worked with, forging a lasting friendship with his Japanese interpreter, Tsukasa Sasaki which is maintained by their children and grandchildren. This summer Tsukasa's grandson, a helicopter pilot in the Japan Defense Force, visited his American "grandfather" at their home. After leaving the service Jean Paul married Marion and graduated from Teachers College in New Britain (now Central CT State University). He taught in Windsor and lived in Windsor Locks where he successfully challenged the town to bring kindergartens to the school system and fluoridation to the water. He was the Chairman of the largest civic polio clinic in America, which administered more than 29,000 doses of polio vaccine between 1957 and 1964. He also wrote two polio bills for the 1959 State Legislature and was head of the drive to pass the State law 53-344 which required that the notice "Sale of Tobacco to Minors Prohibited" be posted on all tobacco vending machines, which passed in 1963. He was the winner of the Junior Chamber of Commerce Distinguished Service Award and due to his work with the Jaycees, nominated as one of the Ten Outstanding Young Men of America. He was appointed by Governor Dempsey in 1964 to the Connecticut Clean Air Task Force. The Berard family moved to West Hartford in 1971 when Jean Paul began teaching at Talcott Junior High School while Marion pursued her nursing career at St. Francis Hospital. Jean Paul taught at Plant Junior High and Sedgwick Middle School until his retirement in 1997. He continued to substitute teach at Sedgwick until age 83. For many years he lead the Service Club at Sedgwick and served as Youth Group Coordinator at St. Peter Claver Church, teaching students the skills to advocate for and help those in need in the Sudan, in Guatemala, and here in Hartford. He was a Life Member of the National Education Association, Life Member of the CT Education Association, VFW Post #6123, American Legion Post 92 and a Justice of the Peace from 1961 - 2012. For 33 years he and Marion organized the placing of flags at Fairview Cemetery each Memorial Day and Veterans' Day. He was the Vice Chair of the West Hartford Veterans Memorial Committee, responsible for bringing a beautiful memorial to West Hartford Center. In addition to his wife Marion, he is survived by his five children and their families: Victor Berard of Southwick, MA and his daughters Felicia and Theresa, Suzanne Rodriguez and her husband Mario of Bristol, CT and her daughter Erin, Sally Devine of Vineyard Haven, MA and her daughters Kelly and Tracy, Denise Berard Hall and her husband Tom of West Hartford, and their children Lindsey and TJ, and Steven Berard and his wife Trisha of Seattle, WA and their children Jean-Paul and Luke. Also surviving him are his ten great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother Edward. The Berard family would like to thank the St. Francis Hospital community who are their friends and who cared for him throughout his many health challenges. Calling hours will be Wednesday, 3-7 p.m. in the Molloy Funeral Home, 906 Farmington Avenue, West Hartford. Funeral services will be Thursday, at 9:30 a.m. from the Funeral Home with Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. at St. Peter Claver Church, 47 Pleasant Street, West Hartford. Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery, West Hartford, Donations in his memory may be made to the West Hartford Veterans Memorial Fund, c/o The Town of West Hartford, 50 South Main Street, West Hartford, CT 06107. Online expressions of sympathy may be made at www.molloyfuneralhome.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Hartford Courant on Jan. 7, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Jean Berard

Sponsored by the family.

66 Entries

Dolly and Nunzio Chelli

January 13, 2014

Dear Berard family,
We were saddened to read about Jean Paul. He was the nicest teacher at Sedgwick and the kids loved him. One Christmas season he came to our house as Santa Claus. He was the hit of the party, and years later we still talk about that. All he asked was for a donation to be made to MS for Ted Brennan. May your earthly father rest in the arms of our Heavenly Father as He says"Well done, good and faithful servant"

Joy Brigham Taylor

January 11, 2014

Thank you Mrs. Berard and the whole Berard family for sharing "JPB" with us! I have fond memories of Plant Jr. High, as I know Mr. B did. Brings a smile to my face to think of the overnight trip to Colebrook and Mr. Berard's plea for us to "hold onto something big" as we hiked in the mud and rain. Peace to you all.

Tim Samsvick

January 9, 2014

I have lots of good memories of Jean. He was by first boss. He taught me the value of hard work and how good a Howdy Beef Burger vanilla milk shake could be after the work was done.

Rob Dunn

January 8, 2014

If you measure a person by the number of lives touched, Mr. Berard is truly a giant. He was also the best Santa Clause ever.

Elizabeth Isaac

January 8, 2014

Sympathy and prayers to the Berard family, good neighbors of ours in Windsor Locks for many happy years.

Kimberly Noonan , Baillargeon

January 8, 2014

He was one of my favorite teachers. We lost a great person but heaven has a new angel.
Kimberly Noonan Baillargeon

Linda Chagnon

January 8, 2014

To the Berard Family,

J.P will be missed very much not only by his own family, but very much by the West Hartford Community. He was a leader of many, most of all with his students who loved him. Thank you very much for sharing him with us.May God Bless you all.

Els Fonteyne

January 8, 2014

I remember Mr. Berard as a kind, warm and funny person who always gave of himself and liked everyone he met. While I haven't seen him in many, many years , I remember him fondly. My condolences to Mrs. Berard, especially.

Liz Natale

January 8, 2014

I was very sad to learn that Jean Paul passed away. I was a new teacher at Sedgwick shortly after he retired. I saw him frequently when he came in as a substitute and will always remember his cheerfulness, his good heart, and the powdered sugar-coated angel wing cookies he brought to share with teachers and students. He is gone but clearly not forgotten.

Robin Bergeron

January 8, 2014

Mr Berard was one of the most inspiring people in my life. He taught all of his students not only the lessons on history but also important lessons in life. He taught us how to help eachother, our communinity members and the importance of remembering our vetrans. We as a community were truely blessed to have him as not only a member but as a leader. His family is in my thoughts and prayers.

Janet O'Brien

January 8, 2014

Jean Paul had a wonderful life, contributing significantly to our community. It was my honor and pleasure to know him. He will be missed. On behalf of my family, I would like share my sincere condolences to Marni and Jean Paul's entire family.

David Boya

January 8, 2014

As a young man I was blessed to have met Jean when I worked at Texaco in East Hartford. Jean worked with me in the summertime. Jean was one of the most amazing people I ever met and so well respected. When our children were very young he had me bring them to your home in Windsor Locks and Marion you gave them their polio shots. Our thoughts and prayers are with all the Berard family you have lost a true legend of his time.
David Boya

Kim Bergeron

January 8, 2014

To the Berard Family:

He was such a special person and I was lucky enough to have known him. He touched many lives.

Rocco DiTaranto

January 8, 2014

Mr. Berard was a great person who you could write about his accomplishments for days. He always helped anyone he could. I used to call him Father Time as a nickname because his contributions to our community were so many and for so long that it felt like he was doing great things for eternity. I will miss you Jean Paul but I know you are looking down upon us and inspiring us to follow in your foot steps. Simply put an Icon of Good.

Rocco DiTaranto

Linda Pouliot

January 8, 2014

I was very sad to hear of Mr Berard passing! I have many fond memories of him at Plant Jr High! Over the years I would think of him and wonder where he was! Sadly I never saw him again after Jr high school! I am sure he will be missed by many! RIP Mr Berard!

Michael and Rebecca Georgetti

January 8, 2014

Dear Marion, Denise, Tom and the family: We very sadly received the news of JP's passing. We were privileged to have him as a part of our life.

Stephanie Sandoval

January 8, 2014

There was never a time where Mr. Berard didn't cheer me up or make me laugh. He was such a kind soul. My condolences to his family and friends. You will be missed.

January 8, 2014

Mr Berard,
I remember saying hi to you all the time at Sedgwick, you were a blast to hang around with, and i remember helping you put flags up on memorial day. rest in peace
Natalie Burke West Hartford, CT

Andrea Hungerford-Jednorowicz

January 8, 2014

Mr. Berard was a great family friend who always had the ability to make us laugh! I was at Sedgwick when he taught, and although I never had him as a teacher (but wish I did!) he touched our family in so many other ways and was a terrific friend to my parents! My sympathies go out to his entire family. Rest in peace, Mr. Berard...you will be missed by many.

Amy Brigham Melvin

January 8, 2014

So many fond memories of Mr. Berard at Plant, and running into him around town for years after. I'll miss seeing him, my condolences to all the family. May you all cherish his love forever.

Amy Bastien

January 8, 2014

My condolences. I remember him so well. He was a great teacher and mentor. I remember going to the social club at his house having pizza and during Christmas going to the local houses singing Christmas carols. He was an angel on earth and will get his wings in heaven. He was always kind and caring man that would always take time out to help even if it was just to listen.

Kathleen Slane McDaniel

January 8, 2014

Mr. Berard was a very special teacher and certainly touched many lives in West Hartford. Mr. Berard was my 8th grade teacher and my neighbor. I remember that he loved doughnuts and would often share them with his students who hung out in his classroom before school started. I also remember his passion for Japanese history. I enjoyed learning about his adventures in Japan as a member of the armed services. Most importantly, he was a gifted teacher who truly cared for all of his students and was proud of their work and accomplishments in and outside the classroom. As a teacher, I aspire to be like him. I am grateful that I was able to see him on Veterans' Day when my family helped others in the community to place flags in the cemetery. Mr. Berard has been an inspiration to me and has touched the lives of many generations, including my children. Mr. Berard will remain in my family's hearts forever.

Lorraine Curran-Vu

January 8, 2014

Jean Paul was a legend at Sedgwick.He had a kind heart and was able to motivate the students. I will always remember him getting the students to decorate the Veteran's graveson Memorial Day with U.S. flags.What w wonderful way to teach kids service! I taught with Jean Paul at Sedgwick for many years.He was loved.My condolences to the Berard family.In reading Jean Paul's obituary I can see he left a wonderful legacy and I know he tocuhed many, many lives.

Cindy Disabella-Hamilton

January 7, 2014

I will miss seeing you at Rockledge, your wit and humor made me laugh. He will be greatly missed. My condolences to the family

Anthony DeNapoli

January 7, 2014

Rest in peace Mr. Berard. I will never forget you. You did many great things in your life and I will always have a very high regard for you.

Mike McNamara

January 7, 2014

I'll never forget Mr. Berard. Dressing up as Santa every year, the fridge filled with snacks in the back of his classroom, having to memorize and recite Paul Revere in front of his class...oh, and being one of the greatest teachers to ever walk the halls of Sedgwick Middle School. You will always hold a special spot in my heart - RIP JPB

January 7, 2014

Mr. Berard was one my favorite teachers when I was a student at Sedgwick. He cared about his students and always made them feel appreciated. May he rest in peace.

missi nadeau

January 7, 2014

Every year mr. Berard would come and talk to the scouts of pack 141 making the whole cafeteria shout "bonzai!" He will be missed.

Kristin Hinkle Morley

January 7, 2014

If the measure of a man is the number of lives he touched, Mr. Berard was a giant. So sad to hear of his passing, but so glad I was lucky enough to have been his student at Sedgwick. RIP Mr.Berard - you were a legend.

Molly Grew

January 7, 2014

My heart is very sad to hear of this news. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. Mr. Berard was the best substitute teacher at Sedgwick and also neighbors! (I grew up on Castlewood road! Mr. Berard used to tell me how annoying my "yappy" dog was!) I feel blessed to have known Mr. Berard!

Kate McCoy

January 7, 2014

Mr. Berard was a one-of-a kind teacher! I loved Service club and have many fond memories still 20+ years later. He was a major influence in my becoming a teacher. I loved running into him around Elmwood in my early years of teaching. He always had a smile and great advice to give- my condolences to his family.
Kate H. McCoy

Barbary Cameron

January 7, 2014

Mr. Berard was our sixth grade teacher at the Deerfield School in Windsor, Ct. At the time, he was a very big man to all of us little kids. He made such an impression on all of us. A kind and very understanding person, who taught us much more than the books we studied.
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time.

dee vincenzo

January 7, 2014

You will never be forgotten..you lifted my spirits when I lost my brother. Your love for life and other people always came before yourself...know you will be missed n loved by many.

katie diederich

January 7, 2014

What an amazing man! So sorry for your family's loss

Sarah Stangle

January 7, 2014

Denise,

Just wanted to send a note of condolences to you and your family about your dad's passing. The news has already made its way to San Francisco and Facebook is a-buzz with people sharing stories and memories of Mr. Berard.

He had the biggest heart and the most jovial spirit. He touched the lives of countless people. And 30 years later I can still recite ALL the prepositions, in alphabetical order, to the tune of Yankee Doodle.

Sincerely,
Sarah Stangle
(Tracey Stangle's daughter)

nilsa perez

January 7, 2014

My heart goes out to the family..i send my prayers for the lost of a great man.heart is hurting we gonna miss him at elmwood pastry shop..may he R.I.P..

January 7, 2014

Mr. Berard was a great man and wonderful teacher. It was always a pleasure to be in his class. Sending thoughts and prayers to his family.

Kevin Howard

January 7, 2014

Mr. Berard, you sir, had a lasting & enduring impact on my life! The lessons you taught at Plant & the times you shared with all of us outside the classroom & in personal life can never be replaced! Mr. B, you were one of a kind! Until then, God bless you Sir & I'll see you again!

Conor Duffy

January 7, 2014

I will always fondly look back on Mr. Berard taking the Church Youth Group to Quebec and telling us what not to say in French as we got near. He was an exciting teacher, a kind soul and a man of infinite wisdom. I am truly honored to have known him.

January 7, 2014

I am so grateful to Mr. Berard for everything he did for me. He helped me so much, and I learned a tremendous amount about the world from him. He made a huge impact in my life. I am glad to have known him. Rest in Peace, Mr. Berard.

January 7, 2014

RIP Mr. Berard. I was blessed to have many great teachers growing up in West Hartford and he was right up there with the best of them.

Richard Mislivets

January 7, 2014

I remember how enthusiastic he was about showing his classes "Shogun"....and the word of warning for us young men to exhibit proper maturity.

Dorina Ademi

January 7, 2014

In memory of Jean Paul Berard. Beautiful SOul.

Dorina Ademi

January 7, 2014

I wish i had a chance to meet Grampa B as Lizzy calls him , earlier!

When i saw him, he had a big smile on his face, and i can still feel his cheek against my cheek, when i gave him a kiss, before we left.

He smiled at me and lizzy, and his cheeks were rosy :)

Jean Paul & Marion Berard are an inpsirational couple! 62 years of being together, makes me very happy!!

Love for the family!

Dorina

Traci Torres

January 7, 2014

Mr. Berard was a sweet and caring teacher. He thought the best of his kids and wanted them to succeed. The donuts he used to sneak us were an awesome bonus!

Beth Ryan

January 7, 2014

Jean Paul was always such a gentleman and a gentle man. I am so sad to hear of his passing and send my deepest, most heartfelt condolences.

January 7, 2014

So many of my fond memories from middle and high school included Mr. Berard, he always saw the best in whoever he was around, even if they didn't see the best in themselves. Love and prayers to the Berard family.

Renee McCue

January 7, 2014

I truly loved this man. He had a big heart and always made me laugh. I had the pleasure of working with him on the Connecticut Veterans Memorial and Veterans Day projects. He will be greatly missed.

Dawn Mikulastik

January 7, 2014

Mr. Berard was one of my favorite teachers in middle school who I remember fondly to this day. His kind and caring attitude resonated in his classroom and beyond, and his gentle spirit will be missed by many. I'm glad to have known such a wonderful man.

Tori Lumpkin Williams

January 7, 2014

Mr. Berard was a great teacher, he had a way of keeping us captivated in his lessons. I have fond memories of being in his class room. Prayers of comfort and peace goes out to his familiy.

Beth Maguire Beach

January 7, 2014

So sad to hear of Mr. Berard passing, but what an imprint he made on this world! You will be greatly missed, and I'm lucky to have known you.

Elizabeth Chojnicki

January 7, 2014

A wonderful social studies teacher, and someone you never forget. Patient and kind. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family.

Allison Rowlson

January 7, 2014

More than just an educator, Mr. Berard was a friend to ALL of his students. He knew how to create the perfect balance between learning and fun, thus creating life- long memories. He was the reason why students would get involved in everything from parades to field trips to after- school clubs. I was so fortunate to be on Team 8-4 at Sedgwick, and proud to now teach there! The entire Berard family will be in my thoughts.
Allison Rowlson, Class of '92

Elizabeth Kennedy

January 7, 2014

Most of my memories with Grandpa B were when I was a kid. When I got the time to spend with Suzanne, sometimes we would hang out with Grandpa B and Grandma B! I always remember having lots of fun and getting that can of soda from Grandpa B. I will always cherish my memories with such an amazing person <3

Robin Philbrick

January 7, 2014

My deepest sympathy to the Berard family. I was a student of his at Plant Jr. High from 1970-1973. His passion to teach was matched by his compassion for his students. How well I remember his sense of humor! He was eminently fair, honest to the point of bluntness, and ever helpful. He was a teacher who taught from the heart. He made you believe that you were important and gave you the confidence every day to believe in yourself. He was a big smile and a positive thought every time you saw him. While I mourn the loss of a great man, I feel blessed and honored that he was a part of my life.
May he rest in peace and may his family find comfort knowing that he is home. God Bless.

Kevin Slane, Jr.

January 7, 2014

He was a wonderful and generous person whom I knew as a teacher and neighbor. My condolences to his family.

Gina D'Angelo

January 7, 2014

I have fond memories of having Mr. Berard as a teacher at Sedgwick Middle School. He always had a smile on his face. My deepest condolences to his family. Thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.

Gina Evans D'Angelo

Emily Martin Hotchkiss

January 7, 2014

Mr. Berard was such an amazing person in not only my life but my sister Tracy's life as well. Being able to spend time with him and hear his stories was always a high point in my day. After reading his obituary I am now confident that he was one of the most dedicated and caring people I've ever been blessed to know. My thoughts and prays go out to Denise, Tom and family.

Peter Sweeney

January 7, 2014

Truly one of the greatest teachers and man I ever met.

Jim Maffiolini

January 7, 2014

I remember Mr Berard as the welcoming presence in the morning along Farmington Ave outside Plant Jr High. Before you get to know him, as a big guy with a deep voice, he was a little intimidating, but he was a teddy bear inside and clearly loved kids and teaching. I am sorry for your loss.

Michael Donahue

January 7, 2014

Mr. Berard was a tremendous and caring teacher. I have fond memories of him chasing me around Plant Jr High and making sure I got to class. He was a great man and mentor. The Berard Family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Carrie Howard

January 7, 2014

Mike Gamble said it best A end of a Era!!!! So sad He was loved by the Town of West Hartford Seriously!!!
I was in Service Club at Sedgwick and that's how I knew Mr. Berard!!! I also had lots of friends on Team 8-4 so His room was the place to hang before school He was the coolest hippest nicest sweetest most gentle person you would ever know!!!! Grandfather to All!!!
We Love You and Will Miss you waving in the parade smiling on the street corner laughing behind your desk
RIP Mr. Bernard!!!! Mike Gamble said it best A end of a Era!!!! So sad He was loved by the Town of West Hartford Seriously!!!
I was in Service Club at Sedgwick and that's how I knew Mr.Berard!!!!

Laurie Kalinoski Gara

January 7, 2014

One of my favorite teachers at Plant
Prayers for the family

Jen Dougherty

January 7, 2014

Jean was a top notch guy, always pleasant and upbeat. He was a joy to have in the Elmwood Pastry Shop every morning. My husband and I will always remember our wedding day that Jean officiated at and had a ride in the sidecar afterwards. You will be missed.

Jen Dougherty

Natalie Brown-Francis

January 7, 2014

To the very best social studies teacher ,Santa clause and service club leader , you will truly be missed . I have learned a lot from you ,even spoken and showed my children pictures of you. You made my middle school years at Sedgwick very memorable. When I returned from Florida last year and went looking at the library for old memories , the librarian said you donated all the yearbooks from our years at Sedgwick. I was so overwhelmed . You were truly one of the best and will definitely be missed. My condolences to the Berard family. May God grant you strength and peace.

Showing 1 - 66 of 66 results