R. Bernard Biron - Bellingham

He was the beloved husband of the late Theresa P. (Sauvageau) Biron. Born May 18, 1924, in Woonsocket, he was the son of the late Philippe and Laura (Boulanger) Biron. He was the loving father of Philip E. Biron of Bellingham, Dr. Christine A. Biron of Providence, Priscilla T. Keough and her husband Dr. Paul Keough of Hingham, Mass., Laura V. Green and her husband Richard Green of Amherst, Mass., and Marie Elizabeth “Libby” Canesi and her husband Chuck Canesi of Bellingham. He also leaves his nine cherished grandchildren, Paul, Krysta, William, Pierce and Katrina Keough, Jarrad Green, and Lindsey, Samantha and Charlie Canesi. He was the brother of the late Rene, Gerry and Madeleine Biron and Margaret LaPointe.

A resident of Bellingham for more than 55 years and formerly of Blackstone, Mr. Biron graduated from Hill College in 1949 with a degree in accounting and from Suffolk University Law School in 1952. He taught in the Bellingham school system for 32 years, teaching American history and business law and affectionately known as “Big Ben.” A member of the Massachusetts Bar Association, he was sworn in as an attorney for the Supreme Court and practiced law in Massachusetts for more than 50 years. He also was a member of the Massachusetts Teachers Association. Mr. Biron was a friend and life member of the Wollomonuppoag Indians, to be known as “Chief Flying Eagle” in recognition of his efforts on their behalf. He was Town Council/attorney for the town of Bellingham and served as town moderator from 1965-1972, and because of his efforts to promote and develop zoning plans, he was known as “Father of Zoning.” Mr. and Mrs. Biron owned and operated Biron Insurance Agency in Blackstone and provided income tax services for many years. He was a notary public.

A communicant of St. Blaise Church and the former Assumption Church, he served as an usher and on the parish council for the building of Assumption School and church, and the Catholic Family Movement of Assumption Parish. He was a life scout of Troup # 18 in Blackstone and was a member of the Knights of Columbus, VFW Post 7272 of Bellingham, where he was involved in establishing the Bellingham Post, Elks Lodge #850 of Woonsocket, Bellingham Lions Club, Millerville Men’s Club and Club Marquette. He had skied the famous Tuckerman’s Ravine. Mr. Biron was an Army veteran of World War II, attaining the rank of sergeant with the 820th Military Police Company. During his service in Germany in 1945, he witnessed the evacuation of Dachau Concentration Camp and served at the signing of the agreement at the Potsdam Conference. He received the European African Middle Eastern Theater Campaign Ribbon, the Good Conduct Medal, the American Theater Campaign Ribbon, the Victory Medal and the Army of Occupation Medal of Germany.

Of all his many accomplishments, he was the proudest of his family. He will be greatly missed.

His funeral will be held Saturday, Jan. 30 at 9 a.m. from CARTIER’S FUNERAL HOME, 151 South Main St., Route 126, Bellingham, Mass., with a Mass of Christian Burial 10 a.m. at St. Blaise Church, 1158 South Main St., Bellingham. Interment with military honors will follow at Resurrection Cemetery, Cumberland. Visiting hours are Friday, Jan. 29 from 4-8 p.m. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. To sign guest book, visit www.cartiersfuneralhome.com