WILLIAM G. BERO

MASSENA – Mr. William G. "Willie" Bero, 58, of McKinley Ave, peacefully passed away early Saturday morning, March 19, 2016 at his home. He had been in failing health for the past two years.

Willie was born September 16, 1957 in Massena, the son of the late George D. and Susan Square Bero. He first attended Mohawk schools before going to Sacred Heart School in Massena. He graduated from Salmon River Central School in 1976. On July 3, 1986, he married Laurie Leduc in Louisville with Justice Robert Girard officiating.

After graduating from high school, Willie went to work at General Motors until 1982 when he went to work for Transport Canada in Ottawa and later in Cornwall. In 1999, he went to work at the Akwesasne Mohawk Casino where he remained until having to retire in 2014 due to disability. Willie was a proud member of the Sons of the American Legion Post #1479 in Hogansburg, Sons of the AMVETS Post #4 in Massena, the Massena Moose Lodge #1110, Massena Exempt Fireman's Association, the 37 Sportsman's Club; and a charter member of the Post #79 Lancers Marching Unit. Willie was also a past member of both the Hogansburg Akwesasne Volunteer Fire Department and the Massena Rescue Squad. He was also actively involved in the formation of the Mohawk Council Ambulance.

Among Willie's many enjoyments were bowling and playing softball. He was an avid fan of the Boston Bruins, New York Yankees, and Washington Redskins. He will fondly be remembered for his sense of humor and living life to the fullest.

Willie is survived by his loving wife, Laurie; his children, Jason Lazore and his companion Katie Boots of Akwesasne, Quebec; Theoren Bero of Massena and Deonna Bero of Madrid; his grandson, Brenden Lazore-McDonald of Akwesasne, Quebec; and his brothers, Thomas and Angie Bero of Akwesasne and Kenneth Bero of Maryland. He is also survived by his aunts and uncles, Jim and Beatrice Bero of Akwesasne; John Bero of Massena; Phyllis LaMay of Florida; and Hazel Bero of Akwesasne; his mother-in-law, Adrienne McDermott of Massena; and his wife's siblings, Mike and Dawn Leduc of Oswego; Eric and Joanne Molnar of Norfolk; and Jim and Lesley Leduc of Ballston Spa; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends.

In addition to his parents, Willie was predeceased by his nephews, Thomas J. Bero, Jr. and Jared Leduc; an uncle, Donald Bero; an aunt, Peggy Cole; his father-in-law, James McDermontt; and his brother-in-law, Richard Leduc.

Friends called at the Donaldson Funeral Home, Massena, on Monday where funeral services were held on Tuesday with Rev. Mark Reilly officiating. Cremation followed.

Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to Hospice of the St. Lawrence Valley.

Memories and condolences may be shared online at http://www.donaldsonfh.com.