Bernard A. Dion

Bernard A. "Bernie" Dion, 88, of Manchester, formerly of Willimantic and Glastonbury, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 30, 2017, surrounded by the love of his children at Woodlake at Tolland. Bernie was predeceased by his beloved wife of 50 years, Bettye (Farrand) Dion. Bernie was born in Willimantic, CT on January 19, 1929. He was the son of Eugene J. Dion and Beatrice (Lefebvre) Dion. He attended public schools in Willimantic and Windham Regional Technical School. Bernie was a self-made man, beginning as a carpenter, always striving to improve himself; he became a Certified "Building Official" by the State of Connecticut in 1972. He held Certificate #7 from the state of which he was very proud. Bernie began his Building Official career in Coventry, CT, followed by Manchester, CT and Glastonbury, CT., he retired in1989 after a most successful 26 year career as Building Official and Zoning Enforcement Official for the town of Glastonbury, CT. Bernie and Bettye, during their 50 years of marriage together, loved dancing and followed the Square Dance circuit for years where they made many lifelong friendships. They enjoyed traveling, especially to winter in Arizona with their daughter and family and to Florida. They also loved being at the shore, they had a summer get- a-way for years in Newport, R.I. which they greatly enjoyed with many friends. Their granddaughter, Jenny, was the light of their lives. Bernie is survived by his two children; Alan Dion and his wife Margaret of Glastonbury and his daughter, Debra Dion Lopez and her husband Fernando of Sun City, Arizona, his only granddaughter, Jennifer Lopez of Miami Beach, Florida and his, only great granddaughter, Sienna Poilleux-Lopez of Miami Beach, Florida. He is also survived by a brother, Roland Dion of San Diego, CA and several nieces and nephews. Bernie's family would like to sincerely thank the nurses and staff of Woodlake of Tolland as well as the entire Hospice team of North Central Hospice who all provided outstandingly professional, kind and compassionate care during his last weeks. There are no calling hours. Bernie will be joined with his beloved Bettye in East Cemetery, Manchester in a private burial at the convenience of the family. Memorial contributions may be made to the North Central Hospice and Palliative Care Program of Visiting Nurse and Health Services of CT. 8 Keynote Dr. Vernon, CT 06066. Holmes-Watkins Funeral Home, Manchester has care of arrangements. To leave an online condolence please visit www.holmeswatkins.com

Interment DetailsEast Cemetery