Bernard J. Gendreau

It is with extreme sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved father, grandfather, & great-grandfather, Bernard J. Gendreau of Fall River, MA on September 11, 2024, at the age of 95. Bernie, the youngest of 11 children, was born in Fall River on October 15, 1928, to Joseph Albias and Marie Luce Gendreau and raised alongside his siblings who have all since deceased, including Armand, Pete, Frank, Stanley, Lucien, Jeannette (Landry), Roland, Raymond, Lucille (Guerette), and a stepsister, Lorraine Loscalzo.

In 1950, Bernie married the love of his life, Gertrude (Jusseaume) and they settled in Fall River where they raised their six sons: the late Denis (wife Ann), Michael (wife Karen), Ronald (wife Sharon), the late Conrad (wife Joanne), Mark (wife Fatima) and Claude (wife Doreen). Besides his beloved wife for over 73 years and his sons, Bernie is survived by 14 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great grandchild, and countless nieces and nephews from both the Gendreau and Jusseaume families. He was a carpenter for most of his life, having worked out of Local 1305 Carpenters Union, and later as a partner in Gendreau Construction, Inc, from which he retired. Bernie and Gertrude spent 25 years in Port Charlotte, Fl., where they enjoyed a beautiful retirement surrounded by many friends and family.

Bernie was an avid tennis player and competed until the ripe old age of 85, winning 5 gold medals in the Florida Senior Olympics. He loved all New England sports, especially the Boston Celtics. Bernie was a true renaissance man. He had a deep love of the arts, was a talented painter in his own right, played the piano and organ, and sang in his church choir. As important as his commitment to work and family were, both he and Gertrude were faith-filled people and remained very active in their church, be it Notre Dame in Fall River or San Antonio in Florida and were active members of the Cursillo community.

Bernie lived a wonderful life filled with love and without regrets. Above all his accomplishments, the most important thing in his life was his family. There was no limit to his unconditional love, and for that, we are forever grateful.

Visitation in Bernard’s honor will be held at the Waring-Sullivan Home at Cherry Place, 178 Winter St. Fall River, MA, on October 14, 2024, from 4PM to 8PM followed by a Mass of Celebration at Holy Name Church, 709 Hanover St., Fall River, MA, on October 15, 2024, at 10AM. In lieu of flowers, donation can be in Bernard’s memory to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.