Martin Bernier

Martin Jay "Marty" Bernier, 72, passed away on July 4, 2025, in Winter Haven, Florida, with his family at his side.

Born on April 15, 1953, in Hartford, Connecticut, Martin was the son of Robert J. Bernier Sr. and Hazel Niederwerfer Bernier. He grew up in Ellington, Connecticut, and graduated from Ellington High School in 1971. Following high school, he completed the Pratt & Whitney Aircraft (P&WA) apprenticeship program as a machinist and tool and die maker -a foundation that would support his lifelong career in skilled trades.

Martin was the proud owner of Premier Cutter Sharpening Service, where he built a reputation for precision and dedication to his craft. His work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit were evident throughout his professional life. Martin was also an Honorary Life Member of the Italian Benefit Society in Stafford Springs, Connecticut. Martin took great pride in his vegetable garden, especially his HOT peppers.

Martin lived in Connecticut until retirement, when he and his wife then relocated to Winter Haven, Florida, where he enjoyed several years living at the Four Lakes Golf Club. There, he embraced the opportunity to golf almost daily-one of many sports he loved and attending many of the social events held there. A lifelong enthusiast of competition and camaraderie, Martin played soccer, softball, horseshoes, bocce, and fished whenever he could. He also had a passion for games and cards, always eager for a friendly challenge.

For much of his adult life, Martin found joy and peace vacationing at the Laplante Family Camp Casa Mea on Mallets Bay at Lake Champlain in Vermont. It was there that he spent countless cherished moments fishing and enjoying time with his grandchildren and extended family and friends.

Martin is survived by his beloved wife of 51 years Monica Laplante Bernier; his son Andrew Bernier and his partner Sarah Gifford; his daughter Michelle Bernier Emery and her husband Todd; and six treasured grandchildren: Jayden, Blake, and Dawson Bernier, Maisy, Vincent, and Russell Emery. He is also survived by his brothers; Kenneth J Bernier (Peggy), Donald J. Bernier (Sharon), and Alan J. Bernier (Kim), and "siblings" Linda Laplante, Bryan Laplante, and Angela Kowalski (Ted), along with several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents Robert J. Bernier Sr. and Hazel Niederwerfer Bernier; as well as his brother Robert J. Bernier Jr.

Martin's legacy lives on through the memories shared by those who knew him-on the golf course fairways he walked so often, around card tables filled with laughter and friendly rivalry, and along the peaceful shores of Lake Champlain where generations gathered under summer skies. May his memory bring comfort to all who loved him.

A Celebration of Life will be held in the future at the convenience of the family.

Donations may be made in his memory to Lake Champlain Land Trust https://www.lclt.org