Bartholomew Joseph Germond

PETERSHAM - Bartholomew Joseph “Bart” Germond Sr., age 91, of Petersham died Wednesday, July 26, 2017 while sitting outside enjoying the sunshine with his youngest son Michael by his side. Bart was born August 6, 1925 in Hartford, CT. He is the son of the late James E. and Pauline F. (Scanlon) Germond. He grew up in Vermont, and graduated from Brandon High School in 1943. He attended Bentley School of Accounting in Boston, graduated from Stockbridge School of Agriculture and received a BA and MS degree from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. He served in the U. S. Army during World War II, with the 108th counter intelligence corps, and also served with the Connecticut State Motorcycle Brigade. Bart lived in Sudbury, VT for several years, as well as Woodstock, VT, Pittsfield, VT, and Essex Junction, VT; and Gardiner, ME for 7 years prior to relocating to Petersham in 1965. Bart enjoyed farming and agriculture, and spent his career supporting the farming community. He was employed as the regional dairy specialist for Worcester County Cooperative Extension Service for many years retiring in 1989. He hosted an early morning radio show for famers on WTAG and wrote several articles for the Worcester County Farmer Magazine. He and his wife Dona owned and operated the Petersham Country Store from 1972 to 1985. He had previously worked at the Billings Farm in Woodstock,VT, was a partner of the Pinnacle Ridge Dairy in Pittsfield, VT, and had also worked for Eastern State's Farmer's Exchange (which later became Agway). Bart was a dedicated family man, commonly working on projects and events with his wife and children. He was a member of St. Peter's Catholic Church, Petersham crime watch and past commander of the American Legion in Gardiner, ME. He enjoyed gardening and many outdoor activities including hunting, fishing, hiking, canoeing, kayaking and camping. He is survived by one sister: Regina Schaal of Avon, CT; two daughters: Deborah J. (Paul) Blanchard of Westford, MA and Karen M. Germond of Petersham, MA, and three sons: Bart J. (Colleen) Germond II of Galway, NY, David J. (Martha) Germond of North Yarmouth, ME and Michael P.(Leslie) Germond of Holden, MA; He has seven grandchildren; Nathan (Stacy) Germond, Mari Blanchard, Jessica (Brady) Bouchard, Paul (Megan) Blanchard III, Ashley (John) Cronin, Brandon Germond and Cameron Germond; and seven great grandchildren: Hallie Bouchard, Brendan Bouchard, Abigail Blanchard, Keegan Germond, Katie Blanchard, Keira Germond and Charlie Cronin. He is predeceased by his wife, Dona Germond, his grandson Matthew Germond, his brothers, James and Paul, and sister, Mary Frances. Calling hours will be held Friday, August 4, 2017 from 6-8 pm at Higgins-O’Connor Funeral Home, 146 Main Street, Athol. A Mass of Christian burial will be held on August 5th at 12:00 PM at St. Peter's Church, 18 N. Main St., Petersham, MA with Rev. Montaña officiating. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Autism Speaks or The Framingham Heart Study To leave an online condolence please visit www.mackfamilyfh.com. Arrangements are in the care of Higgins-O’Connor Funeral Home, 146 Main Street, Athol.