John Baptist Bard

John attended St. Francis de Sales school in Waterville, and at the early age of 15, entered the Blessed Sacrament Seminary in Hyde Park, NY. Later, taking the vows of poverty and chastity, he became ordained as a Brother of the Blessed Sacrament. During 1944 to 1980, John served his Lord in his chosen profession in various seminaries, including Suffern, New York, Hyde Park, New York, and Cleveland, Ohio.

Around 1980, John received a special dispensation from the Pope, took a sabbatical from the religious life and never returned to the seminary. He worked for a year at the Pittsburg Plate Glass Company in New York, and later moved to Waterville Maine, where he became the ‘finish’ carpenter for Leo F. Poulin, Contractors of Winslow.

In May of 1993, he married Jeannine (Caron) Veilleux.

John found great joy and pleasure in working with wood; he crafted many bookcases, cabinets, tables which he generously gave to the members of his family and friends. His craftsmanship can be seen at various places, including St. Francis Church and First Baptist Church in Waterville.

John is survived by his wife of 18 years, Jeannine; children; Monique and Daniel Gilbert of Oakland, Raymond and Angela Veilleux of Chelsea, Jeanne and David Gilbert of Chelsea and Ronald and Tina Veilleux of Augusta, brothers Philip J. of Augusta, and Leonard J, of Perry, sisters Edwidge Rossignol of Madison, Cecile Rossignol of Broad Brook, CT., Theresa and Roger LaBrecque of Waterville, Leone Labreck of Winslow, and Jan and Sam Goddard of China, 5 grandchildren, one great great granddaughter, several nieces and nephews.

John was predeceased by his father and mother ( Hilaire and Emma Dufour Bard), a brother, Lucien, and a sister, Virginia Hathorn.

Special acknowledgement and thanks is given to John’s extended family, Jeannine’s family, for the love and support given to John during his illness. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Hospice for their care.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing may make a donation to Health Reach Hospice at P.O. Box 828, Waterville, ME 04901

Visiting hours will be held Friday, March 25, at Veilleux Funeral Home from -4 & 6-8. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday March 26 at St. Francis Church at 9Am. Committal will be scheduled for later in the spring at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery. Funeral arrangements under the care of Veilleux’s Funeral Home, 8 Elm St. Waterville, Me 04901