Claude Alphonse Bergeron Obituary (1949

Claude passed away peacefully on Valentine's Day evening at the age of 77 after a complicated battle with cancer. He was at home with his beloved "Babe" and other loved ones nearby at the time of his passing. Claude was born on February 1, 1949, in the small town of Coaticook, Canada, to Paul-Henri Bergeron and Gabrielle Simoneau. He moved to Hartford, Connecticut, in 1956 with his parents and siblings when he was 7 years old. Once he saw America, he was hooked on the American Dream. Being the oldest of five, he worked hard to help his parents take care of his siblings, holding much responsibility at a young age. He had a long career with A&P until they eventually closed. He also worked in a handful of restaurants as a waiter to have "funny money, " always alongside his wife, Francine, and two of their oldest, greatest friends, John and Rhea. Claude would tell you he was an American before he told you he was Canadian, proudly becoming a citizen in 2004. He was proud of his accomplishments and proud of what he built here with his family. He LOVED life -- everything about it -- but don't give him a rainy day without any sunshine! He lived to be by the pool at 315 Robbins Ave., where he lived for 41 years before retiring to Summerville, South Carolina, in 2021. He lived to host parties and family gatherings -- you name it. He wanted everyone to be fed, entertained, and, of course, with a drink in hand. There was always room for one more person, and there was always a perfectly matched place setting to go along with your seat. He loved to cook, "take care of his flowers, " go to the beach, ski, dance, get dressed up, wear themed costumes, go antiquing, listen to music, take pictures, sing (even though he couldn't), play cards and games, travel, decorate -- EVERY. SINGLE. HOLIDAY! There was nothing he loved more than Christmastime. He was an artist -- really -- building massive snow villages with moving parts, snow, and little bits of magic everywhere throughout the house and in the basement in Newington, CT. He truly enjoyed all the little things in life, but the time he spent with "his girls" was always the most important to him. Claude is survived by his wife "Babe" (Francine Dupont), of 55 years this May 1; his oldest daughter, "Babalou" (Natasha Bergeron), her husband, Jono Doyle, and their two daughters, Madelyn and Violette; and his youngest daughter, "Mospito" (Stephanie Bergeron), her husband, Pete Boychuk, their dog, Miss Frizzle, and his first grandson, due on April 2nd. He is also survived by his mother, Gabrielle (97); his siblings, Paulette, Peter, and James, as well as their wives, Lucie and Nancy; and his four nephews, Ken, Shawn, Justin, and Brandon. He was the son-in-law of the late Jean-Paul and Germaine Dupont; the brother-in-law of Lise (Gerald), Cecile (Jean-Pierre), Jean-Nil (Carmen), Nicole (the late Ferrier), the late Remi (the late Francine), and Mario. He is survived by countless other relatives, in-laws, cousins, friends, coworkers, and treasured loved ones that we know he would love to list here, including his two "adopted daughters," Ashley Yezierski and Kate Sullivan. Claude is predeceased by his father, Paul-Henri, and his younger brother, Gerald, who died when he was merely 1. He is also predeceased by his three boys, Mr. Krinkles, Gizmo, and Chico, who we know are quite literally sitting on his lap at this very moment -- all dressed in matching monogrammed Ralph Lauren polos, including Dad. Claude will be cremated in Summerville, SC, with eventual plans to be buried alongside his family in Canada at the Cimetiere de Saint-Edmond de Coaticook. A celebration of life will also be held in Connecticut later this year. He also wished for some of his ashes to be spread on the ski slope and the beach -- two of his favorite places, which his girls will arrange when the time is right. Dates for the burial and celebration of life are TBD, while we await the birth of Stephanie's son. Live your lives to the fullest for Claude -- Dad -- Babe -- Mr. Sunshine -- The Martini Man -- Claudio -- The Host. And go to the doctor -- your health is everything. Thank you to everyone who came to visit him in his final days, and to those who couldn't make it -- it's okay -- be kind to yourself. A special thanks to his cousin Lisa and her wife, "Jannie Cakes" -- he would say, "I love you more. " And to "Annie," Pete's mom, who came to stay with Francine when the end was near. Also to the healthcare workers at Crescent Hospice who helped care for him at home -- we appreciated your patience and kind hearts. And to Jim and Susan, who kept their Friday night card night ritual right up until the end. If you listen closely enough -- you can hear his tiny violin playing. Claude taught us that EVERYTHING in life is worth celebrating, and it is ALWAYS worth celebrating in style alongside the ones you love. He would hate to think of anyone crying over him. Instead, he would say: Go get some lobster, wine, play some Jimmy Buffett and The Beach Boys -- make a martini while you cook. And don't forget the shrimp cocktail. Because "it's not a party without shrimp cocktail."