Obituary of Ernest J. Beausoleil

Ernest J. Beausoleil, 100, died peacefully Saturday, June 15, 2013 at Westview Healthcare Center after a long and happy life. Born in Canada in 1912 Ernest moved to New Hampshire with his family in 1913. The family then moved to Danielson, CT in 1920 where he attended St James School. At age 14 he began to learn the grocery business from Henry Myers and he eventually purchased a meat and grocery truck selling foods door to door. In 1939 he opened Beausoleil's Market in Danielson which he owned and operated for 25 years. After selling the business Ernest worked as a butcher at various food stores until retirement at age 72. He had a very active retirement enjoying his family, cards, horseshoes, and his beloved Boston Red Sox. In fact, he celebrated his 100th birthday as a 100 year-old fan at Fenway Park in June 2012 the very same year Fenway celebrated its 100th birthday! Additionally, Ernest was a communicant of St. James Church in Danielson past Counselor for United Commercial Travellers, a life-long member of the Knights of Columbus, and the Danielson Lodge of Elks. He leaves a son and daughter-in-law, Ernest L. and Pauline Beausoleil of Edgewater, FL, a daughter, Yvette Zahansky of Brooklyn, CT, 11 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, 3 great-great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife Gertrude (Viens) Beausoleil, whom he married on May 27, 1938, two daughters Lucille Loos and Jeannine Duby, 6 brothers and 9 sisters. Funeral will be Thursday, June 20, 2013 at 9:15 AM from the Gagnon and Costello Funeral Home, 33 Reynolds Street, Danielson, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM in St. James Church, 12 Franklin Street, Danielson, CT. Calling hours Wednesday, June 19, 2013 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Gagnon and Costello Funeral Home, 33 Reynolds Street, Danielson, CT. Burial in Holy Cross Cemetery, Danielson. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Ernest's memory to Westview Healthcare Center's Recreation Fund, 150 Ware Road, Dayville, CT 06241. To share a memory with his family, "Light a Candle" www.gagnonandcostellofh.com