Obituary of Fernand J. Brochu

Fernand Brochu, 92, passed away on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, after a short illness. Born in 1932 to Alfred and Yvonne Brochu, “Fern” grew up in East Berlin, attended Berlin Schools and lived virtually his entire life in his hometown.

Fernand served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, stationed in Saugus, MA with the 605 AAA Gun Battalion, with the rank of corporal. He was a longtime employee at Southern New England Telephone Company (SNET), a member of the Knights of Columbus, was an Eagle Scout and actively involved in scouting. Fernand was a lifetime parishioner of Sacred Heart Church in East Berlin and St. Paul’s Church in Kensington.

In addition to spending time with his family, Fernand enjoyed bowling, metal detecting and traveling with his beloved wife. His time on this earth was characterized by kindness to all who had the good fortune to spend time with him. In particular, he loved to joke and laugh, laughing even when the joke was on him.

Fernand leaves behind his wife of 49 years, Laura, four children, Gary and his partner Sandi, Janet Wicander and her husband Mark, John and his wife Susan, Gail Erickson and her husband Jeff. In addition, he leaves behind nine grandchildren, Dan Erickson, Lauren Boughton, Alison Cassidy, Sarah Chura, Mallory Hartnet, Lindsey Brochu, and Megan, Katie and James Wicander; and five great grandchildren, Everett, Sutton, Maren, Jack, and Killian.

In addition to his parents, Fernand was predeceased by his wife, Rejeanne, the mother of his four children, and by his brother, Aime. The family extends special thanks to his caretaker, Doris Oppong.

Family and friends can call and pay their respects Tuesday, December 10^th at 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. at Farrell Funeral Home, 110 Franklin Square, New Britain. A funeral mass will follow at 11:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church, 48 Cottage Street, East Berlin. Burial will follow at Wilcox Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Paul’s Parish 467 Alling St. Kensington CT 06037 or the Alzheimer’s Association 200 Executive Blvd S #4b, Southington, CT 06489.