John B. Berthiaume

Memorial visitation will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday May 30th from 5-7PM.

Private burial will at Montrepose Cemetery.

John B. Berthiaume, 91 of Tustin, California, died at home peacefully on Saturday, April 29, 2023. John was born in Three Rivers, Quebec, Canada to the late Roland L. and Clementine (Misisco) Berthiaume on October 29, 1931. John grew up in Springfield, MA, moved to Kingston in 1959 and married the love of his life, Judy Berthiaume, in 1962. In the early days, John worked for DeLaval in Poughkeepsie and then for Gulf gas station on the Boulevard. After that, he was employed by the City of Kingston Department of Public Works for more than 25 years before retiring. John drove a school bus for Ethan Allen for several years after his retirement. After Judy's passing in 2014, John moved to CA.

John found great joy in making things with his hands. He especially loved making wooden toys for children; never passing up an opportunity to find out if a new friend had children or grandchildren and giving them a rolling toy or truck crayon holder. In CA, he made windmills and whirligigs that could be spotted throughout his neighborhood. He loved seeing pictures of his creations in people's yards and in the hands of children. "As long as they enjoy them, that's all that counts," he would say. John also loved telling stories about his younger days, his family, his various jobs and his many life experiences. Many of his stories will surely bring a smile to the faces of family and friends who share them as they reminisce together about John.

John is survived by his two children, LeeAnn Christian of Tustin, CA, and Mark (Tracey) Berthiaume of Kingston; three grandchildren, Andrew, Megan, and Robert Berthiaume of Kingston; son-in-law David Christian of Fullerton, CA; sister-in-law Donna Pike of Saugerties; "oldest" niece Deborah Charvat of Belchertown, MA; as well as many other relatives and friends who admired his perseverance and grit.

John is predeceased by his wife, Judy Berthiaume, his parents, four brothers and two sisters. As he often said, he was the "last man standing." At 90+ years old, John always said every day he woke up was a good day and he had no complaints. He was an inspiration to us all.