Bertrand Joyime Ouellette, 78, of Newtown died peacefully in his home April 28, surrounded by family. He was born in Madawaska, Maine, May 29, 1935, the son of Sadie (Lagasse) and Joyime Ouellette.

Mr Ouellette served in the armed services during the Korean War while stationed at Fort Worth, Texas. He went on the marry Margaret Prete of Hartford, and together they raised three children, eventually settling in Newtown.

 Mr Ouellette worked for Drywall Associates, Napa Auto Parts, and Town Fair Auto where he met many lifelong friends. He was an avid gardener and spent much of his free time tending to his vegetable plants in the yard, working on automotive and mechanical projects, and spending time with his five grandchildren.

In addition to his wife, his daughter Rena (Ouellette) Simoes and her husband Daniel of Wolcott, and their daughters Alicia and Gabriella; his eldest son Bertrand and his wife Debora (Weigl) Ouellette of New Milford; his younger son Mark and his wife Melissa (Sowle) Ouellette of Southbury, and their three children, Zachary, Kenzie, and Chad; and other relatives survive Mr Ouellette. His parents; his sister Verna Ouellette; and his sister Rena (Ouellette) Thibeault and her husband, Robert, predeceased him.

Calling hours will take place Thursday, May 1, at the Honan Funeral Home, 58 Main Street, Newtown, from 5 to 8 pm.  A funeral service will take place at 11 am, Friday, May 2. Interment with military honors will follow at Newtown Village Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to Masonicare Home Health & Hospice, c/o The Masonic Charity Foundation of Connecticut, PO Box 70, Wallingford CT 06492 or www.masonicare.org.