Robert H. Menard

BARRE TOWN - Robert H. Menard, 78, of Cherrywood Drive, passed away at Central Vermont Medical Center in Berlin on Feb. 28, 2012, after a long battle with kidney disease.

Born Sept. 11, 1933, in Montpelier, he was the son of the late Remy and Beatrice (Prudhomme) Menard.

Robert attended St. Michael's school system in Montpelier from kindergarten through high school. He went on to receive a bachelor's degree in business from St. Michael's College in Winooski.

Upon graduation, he enlisted in the United States Air Force during the Korean conflict as a lieutenant and was an industrial facilities project manager, honorably discharged in 1957.

On June 16, 1956, he married Mildred Brochard.

Robert worked for the United States Postal Service from 1958 to 1988, retiring as a superintendent of mails.

One of the founding members of the Berlin Volunteer Fire Department, he served as their treasurer for many years before becoming their chief.

Robert joined the Knights of Columbus in March of 1960; within three months, he achieved third degree. He then took time off to raise his family. He re-entered the order in November 1993. Robert served three terms as grand knight from July 1, 1998, through June 30, 2001, and was district deputy from 2002 through 2006.

Robert was an active member of St. Monica Catholic Church in Barre.

He was an avid cribbage player and played for the Montpelier Cribbage League, becoming the annual champion several times.

He especially enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandson.

He is survived by his loving wife and caregiver, Millie, of 55-plus years of marriage; three sons, Robert Menard, of Litchfield, Maine, Michael Menard, of Waterbury, and Andrew Menard, of Tucson, Ariz.; one daughter, Deanne Clark, of Tucson; and his foster son, Robert Gerrish, of Williamstown; several grandchildren and one great-grandson whom he adored.

He is also survived by three sisters, Jean, Ruth and Dorothy.

Robert was predeceased by his sister Marilyn Hassler.

Calling hours will be held at the Pruneau-Polli Funeral Home in Barre on Sunday, March 4, 2012, from 4 to 6 p.m. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated in St. Monica Catholic Church in Barre on Monday, March 5, 2012, at 11 a.m. Entombment will be at Elmwood Vault with a later spring burial in the Vermont Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Randolph Center.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Robert's name may be made to the Green Mountain Transportation Agency, 6088 Vermont Route 12, Berlin, VT 05602.

Arrangements are in the care of the Pruneau-Polli Funeral Home, 58 Summer St., Barre.