Obituary for Ernest Brochu
Ernest D. Brochu, Sr.
Our beloved son, husband, father and grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend, is gone too soon! Following a courageous battle with advanced Leukemia leading to a period of painful and rapidly declining health about which he never complained, Ernest D. Brochu, Sr., passed into eternal life on Sunday, July 19, 2020, surrounded by family in the comfort of his Woonsocket home. A dedicated family man, expert craftsman, unbeatable drummer, and avid outdoorsman, he had a good and generous heart, never turning down an opportunity to help a friend or family member in need.
Born and raised in Woonsocket, he was the son of Jeannine (Bergeron) Benoit of North Smithfield and the late Ernest C. Brochu. At times, perhaps showing traces of a ‘stubborn Frenchman’, his roots emanated from a traditional, Franco-American home complemented by Catholic schools’ education. He enjoyed childhood in Woonsocket and later [on/near a horse farm] in North Smithfield, together with his loving sister, Sally (husband, Robert) Pelletier of Woonsocket.
Overcoming brief challenges in later adolescence, he never let them define him. He proudly earned his GED, and developed many admirable life skills which now become his legacy. An animal lover, he was especially fond of both the canine and feline species, enjoying his final days at home often cuddled-up with his wife’s cat, Boo.
Ernest possessed an old-fashioned work ethic, and for most of his career was a self-employed roofing and house painting contractor; as a perfectionist he took great pride in his work. He was ‘all about family’ and especially enjoyed any time outdoors, often hiking, dirt-biking, four-wheeling, and camping. Many fond family memories were made on the back roads and trails in the mountains of New Hampshire and at Beach Pond in Connecticut. A life-long athlete, Ernest won numerous physical fitness awards during his school years, was a respected ‘Karate King’, and an avid spectator of Ultimate Fighting. His strength was the greatest and most manifest in the love, caring, and deep appreciation he had for his cherished family by whom he’ll be sorely missed but fondly remembered.
Besides his mother and sister, Ernest leaves his beloved wife of 30 years, Diane Martini, whom he met during their mutual employment during the Carol Cable/Miller Electric ‘era’ in Woonsocket; his sons, Ernest, Ryan, Bazel, and Jordan Brochu, and Michael Fontaine, all of Woonsocket; grandchildren, Ernest B., III, Bazel, Jr., and Ariana Brochu, Destiny Fontaine, and Madilyn Jean Bois; a nephew, David Felicia; and a niece, Dina Pelletier. All of Ernest’s family extends heartfelt appreciation to his doctors & staff at Rhode Island Hospital and the entire LifeSpan team for their heroic efforts and compassionate care.
Services for Ernest are pending. Arrangements are entrusted to the Berarducci Funeral Home & Cremation Care Center, 185 Spring Street, Woonsocket. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions directly to his family would be appreciated. Condolences may be left at [ProvidenceCremation.com].
ituary will be posted upon completion
Our beloved son, husband, father and grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend, is gone too soon! Following a courageous battle with advanced Leukemia leading to a period of painful and rapidly declining health about which he never complained, Ernest D. Brochu, Sr., passed into eternal life on Sunday, July 19, 2020, surrounded by family in the comfort of his Woonsocket home. A dedicated family man, expert craftsman, unbeatable drummer, and avid outdoorsman, he had a good and generous heart, never turning down an opportunity to help a friend or family member in need.
Born and raised in Woonsocket, he was the son of Jeannine (Bergeron) Benoit of North Smithfield and the late Ernest C. Brochu. At times, perhaps showing traces of a ‘stubborn Frenchman’, his roots emanated from a traditional, Franco-American home complemented by Catholic schools’ education. He enjoyed childhood in Woonsocket and later [on/near a horse farm] in North Smithfield, together with his loving sister, Sally (husband, Robert) Pelletier of Woonsocket.
Overcoming brief challenges in later adolescence, he never let them define him. He proudly earned his GED, and developed many admirable life skills which now become his legacy. An animal lover, he was especially fond of both the canine and feline species, enjoying his final days at home often cuddled-up with his wife’s cat, Boo.
Ernest possessed an old-fashioned work ethic, and for most of his career was a self-employed roofing and house painting contractor; as a perfectionist he took great pride in his work. He was ‘all about family’ and especially enjoyed any time outdoors, often hiking, dirt-biking, four-wheeling, and camping. Many fond family memories were made on the back roads and trails in the mountains of New Hampshire and at Beach Pond in Connecticut. A life-long athlete, Ernest won numerous physical fitness awards during his school years, was a respected ‘Karate King’, and an avid spectator of Ultimate Fighting. His strength was the greatest and most manifest in the love, caring, and deep appreciation he had for his cherished family by whom he’ll be sorely missed but fondly remembered.
Besides his mother and sister, Ernest leaves his beloved wife of 30 years, Diane Martini, whom he met during their mutual employment during the Carol Cable/Miller Electric ‘era’ in Woonsocket; his sons, Ernest, Ryan, Bazel, and Jordan Brochu, and Michael Fontaine, all of Woonsocket; grandchildren, Ernest B., III, Bazel, Jr., and Ariana Brochu, Destiny Fontaine, and Madilyn Jean Bois; a nephew, David Felicia; and a niece, Dina Pelletier. All of Ernest’s family extends heartfelt appreciation to his doctors & staff at Rhode Island Hospital and the entire LifeSpan team for their heroic efforts and compassionate care.
Services for Ernest are pending. Arrangements are entrusted to the Berarducci Funeral Home & Cremation Care Center, 185 Spring Street, Woonsocket. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions directly to his family would be appreciated. Condolences may be left at [ProvidenceCremation.com].
ituary will be posted upon completion