Bertrand J. Duplessis

Bertrand J. Duplessis, 88, of Otter River, died peacefully Monday, May 6, 2024, in St. Vincent Hospital, Worcester. 

Born in Gardner on July 5, 1935, Bertrand was the son of the late Joseph and Emeliana (Cormier) Duplessis. He graduated from Gardner High School with the Class of 1953. Bertrand's career as a truck driver spanned 38 years, during which he was employed by SK Block of Templeton and by CO&S Garage prior to his retirement. 

Bertrand was a parishioner of the Holy Cross Church of Templeton. He also served as a volunteer firefighter for the Town of Templeton and was a member and past president of the Otter River Recreation Association and a member of the Templeton Recreation Commission. Bertrand's love for the outdoors was evident in his yard work, gardening, and home improvement projects. He was a passionate supporter of all the New England sports teams and enjoyed dining out, dancing and cars. 

Bertrand's world revolved around his family, particularly his late wife, four sons, granddaughters, and great-grandsons. Bertrand’s love for his wife was a model of what love should be. His total and unselfish support for his four sons, through good and challenging times set the standard for what a father should be. 

Bertrand is survived by his four sons, Drew Duplessis and his significant other Nancy McMilleon of Otter River, Ricky Duplessis of Ashburnham, Dean Duplessis and his wife Debbie of Georgia and Randy Duplessis of Florida; two grandchildren, Dena Whitney of Winchendon and Danielle Roche and her husband Tom of Westminster; three great-grandchildren, James Hayes, Cooper and Cody Roche; a brother, Martin Duplessis and his wife Beverly of Otter River; two sisters, Valerie Vallee and Anna Mary Durand and her husband Pierre; several nieces, nephews and cousins. 

He was predeceased by his wife of 63 years, Janice M. (Smith) Duplessis, who died in 2019; five brothers, Omer, Howard, Rudy, Aldei, and Donald Duplessis; and four sisters, Florine and Marie Duplessis, Doris Meurnier, and Ruth Allard. 

Funeral Mass will be held Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. in Holy Cross Church, 25 Lake Avenue, Templeton, MA. 

Burial will be private and held at the convenience of the family. 

There are no calling hours at the request of Bertrand. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN, or on their website at (www.stjude.org). Please reference in memory of Bertrand J. Duplessis.