Barre, VT: Bernard (Bernie) Bertrand Isabelle of Barre, passed away unexpectedly, Thursday, February 20, 2025, at his home, at the age of 66 years.
Bernie was born April 4, 1958, in
Barre, VT, to Arthur and Lorraine Isabelle. After graduating from Spaulding High School, Bernie worked in restaurants for much of his life, including in
Barre, VT, Bar Harbor ME and Waitsfield/Warren VT. He moved to the Mad River Valley, VT in the 1980's and worked at various restaurants, including JJ's Pub, Sugarbush Resort's The Grill Down Under restaurant as Manager; Baker Brothers as a wine salesman and then created and co-owned John Egan's Big World Pub & Grille in 1994 until 2010 at 2 different locations: the original Madbush Falls site & motel and then at the final spot at the corner of VT100 and Rte. 17. Bernie's skill at the 'front of the house' was where he thrived, and he prided himself on hiring the best wait and bar staff in the Valley.
Bernie worked for the last fifteen years with Pride Support Services as a home provider for traumatic brain injury clients until summer of 2024.
Bernie married Cassie Bell in 2000. They had two beautiful children together, Benjamin in 2002 and Claire in 2004, both of whom Bernie was so proud of. Bernie dearly loved his children, his German Shepherd dogs, his friends, LA Rams, and golf in the early years.
Bernie is survived by his son, Benjamin Isabelle and daughter, Claire Isabelle, ex-wife Cassie Bell and his beloved German Shepherd, Venus. He is also survived by his brothers: Guy (Rita), Claude (Cindy) and Tim; and many nieces and nephews. Bernie was predeceased by his parents and his sister Pierrette Isabelle Klauder.
Graveside Burial: May 31, 2025, 10 am – 11 am, St. Sylvester Cemetery, 22 Websterville Rd,
Barre, VT. Celebration of Life: May 31, 2025, 1 pm – 4 pm, Old Labor Hall, 46 Granite St.,
Barre, VT.
In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to Bernie's children's education fund at Go Fund Me site: https://gofund.me/917e320d Your Bernie stories, memories, condolences and contributions may be sent to his children at: 2 Owen Dr.,
Barre, VT 05641 or cbellvt@ gmail.com.
Arrangements are in the care of Pruneau-Polli Funeral Home, 58 Summer Street in Barre.