Fernand "Fern" Paradis

Fernand “Fern” Paradis, 84, of Plainville, Connecticut, entered his eternal rest and went to his heavenly home on Monday, October 21, 2019.

Fern is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Simone, and their children: Vic & Wendy (Briggs) Paradis of New Hartford, Perry Paradis of Plainville, William & Sandra (Paradis) Fray of Texas, John & Beverly (Bailey) Paradis of Plainville, Paul & Debbie (Rusczyk) Paradis of Kensington, and Foster son, Rick Lemke of Bristol. At the time of his passing, he was abundantly blessed with 11 granddaughters (and their 5 spouses), 9 grandsons (and their 7 spouses), 6 great granddaughters and 18 great grandsons. Also, surviving him are 12 of his siblings, multiple cousins, nieces, and nephews.  

Fern was born in Frenchville, Maine and graduated from Wisdom High School in St. Agatha, Maine. He was the eldest child in the loving family of Antoine and Roseanna (Chamberland) Paradis and he had 7 brothers and 10 sisters.  He proudly served his country for 2 years in the US Army as a member of the 12th Infantry Regiment. In February of 1965, Fern and Simone along with their growing family, relocated to Plainville, Connecticut, where they lived and remained life-long residents until his passing.

Fern was a lifetime member of the VFW Post 574 in Plainville. His tireless work ethic was a great example to his family. He worked as a Construction Foreman for Caron Pipe Jacking Co. of New Britain. He also was the beloved Pepsi Man for the Pepsi Bottling Company of Bristol for 25 years.  After retiring, he continued to drive seasonally for 15 years with Paradis Pools, LLC. He enjoyed tinkering in “Pepere’s Workshop” where he built furniture and treasured pieces for his family and friends.  Fern and Simone enjoyed their winters in the south and became “Winter Texans” in 2008 where they spent the next 10 winters with their daughter and son-in-law in South Texas. 

Fern had a great love for people and often opened his heart and home to help those in need. During his 52 years of living on Wayne Drive, with his wife, five children and countless pets, there was always room for one more person in need. He was actively involved and volunteered in his church and community and gave of his time, talents and treasures to help those less fortunate. He was involved in the Full-Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship and counselor at Christian Fellowship Center in Bristol.  He experienced his spiritual rebirth in 1977 and began a lifelong and personal relationship with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. His wish was for all his family, friends and co-workers to experience that same spiritual awakening. He had no doubt in his heart and mind where he would be spending eternity and wants everyone he knows to be as assured of that same promise.  “…that everyone believes may have eternal life in Him. For God so loved the world that He gave his one and only Son…whoever believes in Him shall have eternal life…God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.” John 3:15-17, NIV.

A celebration of his life will be held on November 9th, 2019 at Apple Valley Worship Center, 594 W. Center Street Ext, Southington, CT. A meet and greet with the family will be held from 11:00am-1:00pm prior to the Celebration of life at 1:00pm followed by a luncheon. The Reverend Kenneth Gray will officiate.  Burial will be at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, a donation in his memory may be made to: St. Jude’s Research Hospital www.stjude.org, The Gideon’s International www.gideons.org, or Bristol Homecare & Hospice Agency, 222 Main St, Bristol.

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