Bernice Barone Johndro

Beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Bernice Barone Johndro, 90, of Wolcott, entered into eternal life with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on May 9, 2025 at Bristol Hospital.

Bernice was born on December 1, 1934 to Paul Emond and Cora Bunnell (Peletier) in Caribou, Maine. As a child, Bernice was cared for by her loving aunt and uncle after her father’s passing and the majority of her life was spent in Connecticut. For many years, Bernice built a career as a bank employee, in New Britain, and worked her way up to become the branch’s loan officer.

Bernice was a strong woman who overcame many challenges in her life. She was widowed three times but was also blessed to have loved three wonderful husbands. She and her first husband, Frank Hartford, enjoyed raising horses and gave pony rides to children in their neighborhood every Sunday. She and her second husband, Giuseppe “Joe” Barone, enjoyed camping for many years at Moosemeadow campground in Willington, CT. She and her third husband, Melvin “Mel” Johndro, enjoyed dancing with each other and quiet romantic dinners.

One of Bernice’s greatest blessings in life was spending time with her large family. She enjoyed traveling to New Hampshire with her daughter, Michele, and son-in-law, Rich, attending UCONN women Huskies basketball games and dining every Thursday at Blackie’s Hot Dog Stand in Waterbury with her son, Matt, and numerous relaxing summer days by the pool with her daughter, Lori, and son-in-law, Al. Bernice has many beloved grandchildren with whom she shared countless memories; the list has too many to share.

Bernice took great delight in hosting holidays and preparing meals for her family. Her homemade pasta sauce and fried meatballs, the best potato salad and delicious apple cake were among favorites. In addition to loving and spoiling her family, Bernice’s other interests included reading the Bible (she dearly loved Jesus), vacationing by the beach with family, singing at country music concerts, playing Scrabble, card games and Nintendo games like Mario Bros. and Super Mario Bros., caring for her many beloved pets, traveling to many cities and states including multiple trips to Las Vegas, collecting snowmen, reading mystery novels and teaching her granddaughter how to sew and crochet.

Bernice lived a long life and lost many family members whom she dearly loved. She is predeceased by her parents, three husbands, sisters, Jane Coleman and Pauline Emond, daughter, Linda Lucey, and son-in-law, Gerry Lucey, her stepson, Joe Barone, and Joe’s wife, Sharon Barone.

Bernice leaves behind many family members, friends and neighbors who will miss her beyond what words can fully express. She is survived by her daughter, Michele, and son-in-law, Richard Harrington Sr. of Big Cove Tannery, PA, son, Matthew Emond, of Bristol, CT, and daughter, LoriAnne, and son-in-law, Allen Landry of Bristol, CT. She leaves behind many precious grandchildren, great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

Thoughtfully, donations may be made in Bernice’s honor to Hillside Community Church of Bristol, CT: https://www.hillsidebristol.org/give

A private celebration of life will be held for the family at Della Vecchia Funeral Home, 211 North Main Street, Southington.