Renald R. Berard

Biddeford

Renald "Rey" R. Berard, age 88, of Biddeford, passed away after a long illness early Friday morning on February 7, 2025, at Gosnell Memorial Hospice House in Scarborough while surrounded by his loving family. Born on January 6, 1937, in Biddeford, the second oldest son to Wilfred and Beatrice (Gagne) Berard.

He grew up in Biddeford, Maine and attended local schools, St Andre's, St, Joseph's and graduated from St. Louis High School.

In 1950, at the age of 12, he joined the Brothers of Christian Instruction in Alfred where he enrolled in scholastics becoming the top of his class in both scholastics and in athletics endeavors.

Renald continued his education, receiving a Bachelor's of Science degree in Education and Science. Then receiving his Master's degree from Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) in 1970.

Renald was from the generation of hard work and was not afraid of it! During his childhood, he delivered the Journal to some 200 customers with the help of his siblings. His professional career began in education first as a teacher and coach at Denis Hall in Alfred, ME, Plattsburgh, NY, and Detroit, MI.

He married the love of his life, Theresa Blais "my love, my dove, my beautiful one" on June 22, 1963, at Notre Dame de Lourdes Church, Saco, ME.

Sanford was where Theresa and Renald started creating their family of five children. Renald taught and coached at St. Ignatius High School, Sanford, ME until it's closure. He then taught Science, Chemistry, Biology, Geometry, Astronomy, coached baseball and Advisor to the Yearbook, Newspaper, Poster club, Math league, NHS, Booster club Director and Maine Metric Committee at Massabesic High School for 20 years. After retiring from Massabesic High School, he then began a career at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, retiring 25 years later. In between teaching school /working at the PNSY, he installed carpets and linoleums, refereed, umpired sporting events, painted, roofed, and volunteered at St. Ignatius Church as well as attended his children's sporting events and driving them to school each morning in their early years.

Once retired from the shipyard, he drove a bus for the Sanford school department, drove trolleys for the Wells/Ogunquit area. and then drove for York County Community Action. To say that he loved to be with and talk with people was an understatement. He loved it! He wanted to know your name and would never forget it. Even at the end of his illness in the hospital, he would know all the nurses' names without them having to repeat it.

His favorite part of the day was being with family and creating memories together. He instilled the importance of family which in turn created a family gathering for every holiday, birthday, and anniversary. His family was his prize possession. His other love was the love of sports, he wouldn't miss a Celtic, New England Patriots, Boston Red Sox , or Boston Bruins game but most importantly his Notre Dame Fighting Irish. During the evenings, Theresa and Renald enjoyed watching Wheels of Fortune and Jeopardy, he would know all the answers before the contestants.

Mr. Berard was a man of great faith. He was a parishioner of St. Joseph's Church in Biddeford. He served as the Grand Exalted Ruler for the Sanford Elks Lodge #1470 from 1983-1984. He stayed very involved with both the Sanford Lodge, and the Biddeford Saco Lodge of Elks as well as the Fraternal Organization, Knights of Columbus in Sanford and Biddeford/Saco. His brothers meant a great deal to him.

When Renald and Theresa started wintering in Clearwater, Florida, that's when he found his happy place. Whenever he was there, he was in heaven. He and Theresa created many wonderful memories there with friends and family.

Pepere as he was called was well known for giving "P" nicknames. Whenever there was a new addition to the family, he couldn't wait to give them their "P" nickname. He would wait to see/meet them first before determining which word would be their nickname and then that's what he called you. He was also an artist and could write calligraphy by hand, signs were his specialty. If it were someone's birthday or welcome home, you could count on a sign made by Pepere.

Renald was an exceedingly kind man. He was a one-of-a-kind amazing man never putting himself first, always putting his family's needs ahead of his own. He was the most selfless person. He never, ever complained even though there were times when he should have. He was the anchor in the Berard family and his strong will and determination to never give up has been instilled in all the family members. He will be greatly missed.

He was predeceased by four brothers Patrice Berard, Marcel Berard, Jean Paul Berard, Urgel Berard and one sister Genevieve Berard.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Theresa, his five children Denise Burchill and husband Ernie, Christine Cote and husband Jack Bogard, Celeste Coughlin, Mark Berard and wife Jennifer and Cherry-Marie Chretien and husband Scott. He also leaves his beloved 11 grandchildren: Danielle (Pumpkin), Michael (Pudge), Ashley(Papoune), Alissa (Petunia), Chelsey (Poopsie Pop), Kurtis (Papoose), Zachary(Pitou), Alexis (Precious), Bailey (Poohbay), Eryn (Peach) and Noah (Pep) and 6 great grandchildren: Maxon (Panda), Sophia (Princess), Parker (Peanut), Henry (Prince), Blayke (Poppy) and Layne (Pepito). He is also survived by two sisters, Muriel Croteau and Priscille Croteau, several stepsisters and stepbrothers from Canada and many nieces, and nephews. Extended family: Ryan (Putter), Jared (Patriot), Joe (Pistol Pete), and Liz (Pepper).

Visiting Hours will be from 4-7PM Thursday, February 13, 2025, at Cote Funeral Home Chapel, Saco. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11AM Friday, February 14, 2025, at St. Joseph's Church in Biddeford. To view Renald's memorial page, leave an online condolence or watch his family video, please visit www.cotefuneralhome.com

Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider donations to: Sanford Lodge of Elks # 1470 - PO Box 624 - Sanford, ME. 04073