Ronald E. “Ronnie” Bernier: US Marine, Masonry Contractor

Ronald E. “Ronnie” Bernier, 62, of Woonsocket, died Saturday evening at Landmark Medical Center surrounded by his family, according to the Menard-Lacouture Funeral Home.

He was the loving husband of Lorraine S. (Belliveau) Bernier. They were married on Oct. 3, 1992.

Born in Woonsocket, he was a son of the late Henri and Bertha (Paget) Bernier. He remained a lifelong resident of the city.

Mr. Bernier was a veteran of the Untied States Marine Corps serving in Vietnam.

Ronnie was a well-known masonry contractor in the Woonsocket area for many years. He was also employed in the maintenance department at Hillside Apartments.

Ronnie was a longtime member and Past Grand Knight of the Woonsocket Knights of Columbus Council 113 and Past Faithful Navigator of the 4th Degree K of C General Moylan Assembly. Ronnie was instrumental in the placement of the Ten Commandments at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs. He also gave of his time and skill in the refurbishment of St. Theresa’s Shrine in Nasonville.

Ronnie will be remembered as being a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He impressed all who knew him with his strong work ethic and dedication to his church, country and community.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by five daughters Lana Ayotte (Michael) of Woonsocket, Lisa Sistare (John) and Lyn Henderson all of Cumberland, Paula Demaire (Myles) of North Smithfield, and Rowena Distelhurst of KY. He was the brother of Edward, Henri, Wilfred, Michael, Gerard, Normand, and Robert Bernier, Therese Theriault, Linda Foisy, Deborah Rice, Claire Simmoneau, and the late Paul, Leo, Roger and Richard Bernier, and Cecilia King. He is also survived by 19 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

His funeral will be Thursday at 9 a.m. from the Menard-Lacouture Funeral Home, 127 Carrington Ave., Woonsocket followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in Precious Blood Church, 94 Carrington Ave. Woonsocket.

Burial with Military Honors will follow in the Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Exeter. Visiting hours are Wednesday from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m.