BERNARD R. CONTE

     Bernard R. Conte, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Friday, May 27th at UMass Memorial Hospital.

Bernard is survived by his three children, Kristen Conte Henderson and her husband Ross, Jay J. Conte and his wife, Julie all of Paxton and his daughter Jill A. Pellegrini and her husband Anthony J. Jr. of Auburn.  In addition, Bernard was blessed with 7 grandchildren (Brian, Suzanne, Andrew, Peter, Steven, Michael & Sarah) and two great grandchildren (Nolan & Leo).  He leaves two brothers, John J. Conte of Worcester and Robert Conte and his wife Julie of Chicago, IL.  And his companion, Meredith A. MacNeill of Paxton.

He was predeceased by his faithful and loving wife of 60 years, Janet Z. Conte.  His parents Ameila (Scricco) and Joseph Conte and his brother, Donald A. Conte of Grafton.

Bernard was born in Worcester and educated in the Worcester Public Schools.  He served in the US Navy until he was honorably discharged in May 1948.  At that time, he ran his family’s oil business (Pure Oil) with his brother Donald.  He worked at Norton Company for many years.  He and his wife, Janet, co-founded Conte Insurance Agency of Paxton where they both worked for many years until they retired.  Even after retirement, Bernie continued to come into the office daily with a huge smile sharing his stories.

Bernie was a long time member of the First Congregational Church of Paxton.  He was a devoted, husband, father, grandfather and friend.  He and Janet loved traveling and dancing, spending time in Maine and fishing at the Cape.  He cherished the time spent with his children and grandchildren.  He was a big Red Sox fan.

Bernie was a true ‘people person’ he always had a smile on his face and loved to talk to everyone.  He had so many special people in his life that brought him joy every day. Burial services will be private.  Please join us for a celebration of life gathering on Saturday June 11 at 11:30 at Val’s Restaurant on Reservoir Street in Holden.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, a donation be made in Bernard’s name to either Paxton Fire Department, 576 Pleasant Street, Paxton MA 01612 or Devereux Massachusetts, PO Box 219, Rutland, MA 01543.  The MERCANDANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL 370 Plantation Street assisted the family with arrangements.