Bernard C. Levesque

1919 - 2012

Bernard C. Levesque, 92, of Torrington, CT died surrounded by family on Friday, August 31, 2012. He was the devoted husband of Alice (Lapointe) Levesque for 66 years. He was born on November 2, 1919, in Fall River MA, the son of the late Ulric and Antoinette (Lavoie) Levesque. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, earning the Presidential Unit Citation for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy, as well as 8 bronze stars and other distinguished honors. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering from the University of Massachusetts in 1950. He emigrated to St. Jean, Quebec in 1956, to become manager of Belding Corticelli Thread Co, where he was personally responsible for innovations in the manufacturing of sewing thread. He returned to the United States in 1967 to become general manager at Danfield Thread in Winsted, CT, until his retirement in 1983. Barney had a lifelong interest in amateur radio and was a founding member of the Wireless Operators of Winsted, an amateur radio club under the national association, The American Radio Relay League. He will be remembered as a dedicated and loving family man with a deep sense of morality, and a kind and selfless heart. Bernard is survived by his wife, Alice Levesque, his six children, Bernard Jr. "Skip" ( Mary) Levesque of Minnesota, Robert ( Maria) Levesque of Torrington, Jaki Amicone of Goshen, Gerry (Brenda) Levesque of Torrington, Suzanne ( Ron) Paynter of Wisconsin and Elaine (Robert) Senack of Torrington, 16 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren, a brother Raymond ( Cecile) Levesque of MA, and a sister Henriette Thibeault of NJ. The family wishes to thank the nurses and home health aides of the VNS Hospice team for their outstanding care and guidance in these final months. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at St.Thomas Church in Goshen at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, September 10, with burial following at St. Thomas Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to VNS Hospice. www.phalenfuneral.com