Ernest L. “Ernie” Berthiaume, 81, of No. Brookfield Rd., died Friday, Jan. 11, 2019 at St. Vincent Hospital in Worcester.

He leaves his wife, Priscilla (Gonneville) Berthiaume, his sons: Leo Berthiaume and his wife Cindy of Gardner and John Berthiaume and his wife Brenda of Spencer, his daughters: Marie Sandoli of E.Brookfield, Lucille “Lucy” Arnold and her husband Ken of Upper Marlboro, MD., and Bonnie L. Berthiaume of E.Brookfield, his sister Irene Gadbois and her husband Robert of Spencer, 24 grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, and great- grandchildren.

He is predeceased by brothers Roger and William Berthiaume.

Born in Spencer, he was the son of Leo and Mary (LaPierre) Berthiaume. Ernie was a member of St. John the Baptist Parish in East Brookfield. He believed in the American Dream that is built on hard work and honest living. Ernie was self-employed as a barber for 55 years, retiring in 2014. He had a passion for simple living: farming, raising animals, fishing (especially deep-sea fishing with his sons), and spending time with family (especially at a good clambake). He was generous to a fault, always game for a good joke, and his infectious laugh will be so missed.

A Memorial Mass will be held on Friday, Jan. 18 at 11 a.m. in St. John the Baptist Church, No. Brookfield Rd., E. Brookfield. Burial will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. Visitation will precede the Mass on Friday from 9 to 10:30 a.m. in the J.HENRI MORIN & SON FUNERAL HOME, 23 Maple Terr., Spencer. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Food For the Poor (www.foodforthepoor.org or (954)427-2222.