R. Bernard "Ben" Biron, Esq., 85, of Bellingham, passed away peacefully at home Sunday, Jan. 24, 2010.
He was the beloved husband of the late Theresa P. (Sauvageau) Biron.
Born May 18, 1924 in Woonsocket, RI, he was the son of the late Philippe and Laura (Boulanger) Biron.
He was the loving father of Philip E. Biron of Bellingham, MA, Dr. Christine A. Biron of Providence, RI, Priscilla T. Keough and her husband, Dr. Paul Keough of Hingham, MA, Laura V. Green and her husband, Richard Green, of Amherst, MA, and Marie Elizabeth "Libby" Canesi and her husband, Chuck Canesi, of Bellingham, MA; and also leaves his nine cherished grandchildren, Paul, Krysta, William, Pierce and Katrina Keough, Jarrad Green, 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 over 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 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 over fifty years. He 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 Counsel/Attorney for 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. & 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 of 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 a U.S. Army Veteran of WWII, 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, Good Conduct Medal, American Theater Campaign Ribbon, Victory Medal, and Army of Occupation Medal of Germany.
Of all his many accomplishments, he was the proudest of his family. He will be greatly missed.
Funeral will be held on Saturday, Jan. 30 at 9:00AM from CARTIER'S FUNERAL HOME, 151 So. Main St. (Rte 126), Bellingham, MA with a Mass of Christian Burial 10:00AM at St. Blaise Church, 1158 So. Main St., Bellingham.
Interment with military honors will follow at Resurrection Cemetery, Cumberland, RI.