In Memoriam: Bertrand W. Desrochers

From Porter’s Funeral Service.

Bertrand Welle Desrochers, 87, formerly of Berlin, loving husband of Rita (Roux) Desrochers, died Wednesday (February 10, 2016) at Middlesex Hospital.

Born in New Haven, son of the late August and the late Blanche (Talbot) Desrochers, he graduated from Berlin High School, served in the US Army in World War II, started his career as Regional Manager for the Fuller Brush Company in Detroit, then owned and operated Smokeeter Company in Berlin, and retired as the owner of B. W. Desrocher Realty.

He was a member of Sacred Heart Church in East Berlin where he was president of the Men’s Club, The Knights of Columbus, St. Jean Baptiste Societe, the Berlin Lions Club, and the Better Business Bureau, and served on the Berlin Zoning Board of Appeals.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by two daughters and a son-in-law, Laura and Jon McQueeney of Westerly, RI, and Diane Rode of East Haddam, a daughter-in-law, Christine Desrochers of Berlin, a former son-in-law, Gary Rode of Bristol, a brother and sister-in-law, Edward and Irene Desrochers in Florida, a sister, Theresa Perron of Laconia, NH; four grandchildren, Evan and Charles Desrochers, Nick McQueeney, and Cole Rode, and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by a son, James Desrochers, and a grandson, Justin Desrochers.

A Memorial Mass will be held Wednesday (February 17, 2016) at 11:30 am at Sacred Heart Church, 66 Cottage Street in East Berlin. Burial in The State Veterans Cemetery, Middletown, will be at a later date. Friends and relatives are invited to call at Porter’s Funeral Home, 111 Chamberlain Highway, Berlin, on Wednesday morning (February 17, 2016) from 9 to 11 am.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.