Bryant Funeral Homes & Crematory

11/08/2025

11/06/2025

Lucien L. Croteau

Lucien Leo Croteau, 85, of Berlin, NH, passed away on November 2, 2025 at the Androscoggin Valley Hospital in Berlin. He was born in Berlin, NH on October 31, 1940 and was the son of the late Leo and Beatrice (Gallant) Croteau. Lucien grew up in Berlin. He worked in the local paper mill for many years. He loved fishing, camping and hiking. He enjoyed spending time with family and sharing stories. He was a devout Catholic and enjoyed Mass.

Lucien is survived by his son Marc Lucien Croteau and his wife LeAnne of Greeneville, TN; his daughter Sue-Lynn Croteau of Meredith, NH; and three grandchild Kathleen, Kevin, and Cameron. He is predeceased by wife Jeanne Arlene (Gaulin) Croteau and infant son Joseph

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the cousins, uncles, neighbors and close friends for the overwhelming care and support extended to Lucien.

A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.

Memories and condolences may be shared online at www.bryantfuneralhome.net.

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11/06/2025

David L. Oikle

STEWARTSTOWN------ David L. Oikle, 67, passed away on October 30th, 2025 at the Jack Byrne Center in Lebanon.

David was born on July 28th, 1958 in Worcester, MA. He was the son of Ronald and Harriet (Sandelin) Oikle.

David grew up for a short time in Massachusetts before relocating to Hudson, New Hampshire where he attended and graduated high school. After graduating he went to work with his father as a truck driver which he did for many years. When David was not working, he enjoyed collecting guns, boating, fishing, camping, and spending time with family friends. David also enjoyed riding his motorcycle and driving his sports car.

David is survived by his wife Diane Oikle of Stewartstown, two sons; Mason Oikle and Heath Oikle, mother, Harriet Halgren, and sisters; Therese Coco and Pamela Leach,

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, November, 25th from 10:30 to 12:30pm at the Bryant Funeral Home, 180 Hillside Ave., Berlin, NH. A funeral mass will following calling hours on Tuesday, November 25th at 1:00 pm at St. Anne Church of Good Shepherd Parish, 345 Pleasant St., Berlin.

Memories and condolences may be shared online at www.bryantfuneralhome.net.

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11/05/2025

The Name on the Sign Doesn’t Always Tell the Full Story

A recent conversation with a family about how funeral service is changing here in New Hampshire really got me thinking, so I wanted to share a few thoughts with you.

Did you know that between 25–50% of funeral homes in NH are now owned by large corporations or private equity groups?

For more than 100 years, funeral homes were truly local. Families cared for families.

When Bert Bryant “hung his shingle” in Colebrook, he served about 25 families a year and worked part-time as an X-ray technician at the county hospital — a skill he brought home from the Air Force. Back then, funeral directors often held other jobs in the community because their work was truly a service.

Over time, as traditions changed and owners retired, larger corporations began buying funeral homes — often keeping the same family name on the sign. What looks like a familiar, locally owned place might now be managed from hundreds or even thousands of miles away.

Companies like Service Corporation International (SCI), which operates the Dignity Memorial brand (among others), were the first big players. SCI operated the former Fleury-Patry Funeral Home for several years.

Today, we’re seeing more groups like Milestone Funeral Partners acquiring funeral homes right here in New Hampshire. Milestone is what’s termed a “regional consolidator” in industry terms and is backed by Rosewood Investments in Texas. Milestone operates the Bailey Funeral Home in Lancaster, along with eight other locations in New Hampshire.

Other companies take a different approach — focusing on volume rather than personalized service. They offer services at a lower price and cover a larger territory. In some states, cremation companies modeled this way are called “Direct Disposers.” Their facilities can resemble an assembly line for the deceased. While families may see a lower upfront cost, it often comes with trade-offs.

Simple services — like obtaining death certificates, making phone calls to cemeteries or clergy, or even placing an obituary on their website — can incur additional fees. Families sometimes find themselves nickel-and-dimed to the point where they don’t end up saving much at all.

So, what does that mean for you and your family?

✅ Big corporations can offer some conveniences — shared services, national reach, legal, HR, and marketing resources. They can also offer their employees expanded health and insurance options and often a more predictable schedule.

⚠️ But it often comes with:
• Higher prices or less service (or both)
• Less flexibility for families
• Corporate policies that can override compassion
• Profits leaving the community instead of supporting it
• Directors incentivized to upsell families in order to earn commissions

I have friends and colleagues who work for these companies — many of them are excellent funeral directors who care deeply about what they do. But as a consumer, it’s important to ask questions:
💬 Who owns the business?
💬 Where will the cremation actually take place?
💬 What’s included in the price you’re quoted? Make sure you get an apples-to-apples comparison — many large companies advertise low prices to entice people to sign up, only to add additional fees for basic services.

As for us, we’ve been family-owned and operated for 130 years, 59 of which by the Bryant family. No shareholders. No corporate headquarters. While our service offerings have grown, we are still just a small-town family with a dedicated team, here to serve our neighbors with dignity and respect — the same way we always have.

We don’t believe in sales pressure or commissions. We believe in honesty, compassion, and helping families through one of the hardest times of their lives.

We hope to earn your trust when a time of need arises. If you ever have questions about funeral planning — with us or anyone else — please don’t hesitate to reach out (email: david@bryantcares.com). I may not have every answer, but I’ll do my best to point you in the right direction.

Because in the end, this work isn’t about profits.
It’s about people. ❤️
— David

10/31/2025

Isabelle G. Voisine

The family is sad to announce the passing of their beloved mother, Isabelle Voisine, at the age of 99, on October 30, 2025, at her home. Isabelle was born in Berlin, New Hampshire on September 16th, 1926, the daughter of the late Alderic and Delima (Blais) Croteau, and resided in Berlin all of her life. She was a graduate of Notre Dame High School in 1946. She married the love of her life, Lionel Voisine, after he served in the Army during World War II, and together they raised four wonderful boys, Roger, Normand, Marcel and Donald. Isabelle worked at Woolworth’s downtown, and was promoted to various positions within the company. While the family increased, Isabelle went to work at Converse Rubber, Granite State Division, and worked diligently there for seventeen years, until the factory closed its doors. She later started her own business in the basement of their home, holding weekly classes, molding ceramics, painting figurines, operating two kilns and teaching. her clients. She was very artistic and we were all proud of her talent. She loved gardening and was proud of her flowers. She would cut all of her children’s hair and neighboring kids would come over to have that special hair cut she joyfully gave them.

As a mother, Isabelle took special pride in her family, cooking something special from her own mother’s recipes and crocheting sweaters. In the summer months, she and her husband Lionel loved to spend vacations, camping at Littlefield Beaches in Maine, later camping in Israel River in Jefferson. She was very skilled and artistic; wallpapering rooms, decorating real Christmas trees and making our home a real cozy place for us all. She will be surely missed by all who knew her.

She was predeceased by her husband Lionel, her father Alderic, her mother Delima, brother Raymond Croteau and his wife Curly (Bedard), Richard Croteau and his wife Jeannette and her son Normand. She leaves behind her companion Maurice Laflamme, her sons Roger, Marcel and his partner Dorcas Lavoie, Don and his wife Diane and Normand’s partner Don Coulombe, her grandchildren Jonathan, Jeff, Kristie, Shawn and Mathew, several nieces, nephews and great grandchildren.

The family would like to thank our mom’s companion, Maurice Laflamme, for the overwhelming care and support given to our mom. Also, a big thank you to North Country Angels and North Country Home Health and Hospice for their excellent care.

Funeral Services will be held on Friday, November 7, 2025 at 10 AM at the Bryant Funeral Home, 180 Hillside Ave., Berlin. Interment will follow in the Mt. Calvary Cemetery. There will be no calling hours. Online guestbook at www.bryantfuneralhome.net.

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10/30/2025

Jules A. Chaloux

Jules A. Chaloux, 71, passed away on Tuesday, October 28, 2025 at his home on Guilmette Street. Jules was born in Berlin on June 6, 1954. He was the son of the late John and Vivian (Pare) Chaloux.

Jules grew up and has spent most of his life in Berlin. He graduated from Berlin High School in 1972. Upon graduating, Jules went on to work in the local paper mill for many years. He loved hunting, fishing, and golfing with his son Jesse. Jules was also an avid motorcyclist.

Jules is survived by his wife Rosemarie “Mody” Chaloux of Berlin, children; Hannirose Englater of Gorham, ME, Jesse Jay Chaloux and his significant other Kim Lessard of Berlin, three grandchildren; River, Ryder, Rorik, 3 stepchildren; Adley, Ella, Weston, siblings; Jaqueline Chaloux Kelly and John Chaloux. Jules is also survived by niece, nephews, and cousins. In addition to his parents, Jules was predeceased by his brother, James Chaloux, and son in law Scott Englater.

Services for Jules will be held at a later date. Arrangements are entrusted to the Bryant Funeral Homes of Berlin & Gorham, NH. Memories and condolences may be shared online at www.bryantfuneralhome.net

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10/28/2025

Creating Memories & Carrying on Tradition ❤️

While the guys were mixing the final layer of concrete for a monument foundation today, it turned into a special moment. My niece Maggie jumped right in, eager to learn the art of troweling, and proudly helped smooth out “the mud.”

She had a blast and honestly, she did a pretty good job for her first try! Moments like this are the heart of a family-owned business. We don’t just work together… we share memories, and who knows, maybe help teach the next generation.

10/28/2025

Leon A. Napert

Leon Napert, 90, of Shelburne, NH passed away on Monday, October 27, 2025 at the Androscoggin Valley Hospital in Berlin, after a period of failing health. He was born in Berlin, NH on November 19, 1934 and was the son of the late Arthur and Leda (Bedard) Napert. A graduate of Notre Dame High School class of 1954, Leon went on to serve in the United States Army, including duty in Europe. Upon his discharge, he returned to Berlin, where he worked alongside his father at White Mountain Lumber Co. where he remained for many years. He left to purchase Thibault Plumbing Co. in the early 70's and went on to work for Isaacson Structural Steel as a heavy equipment operator. Leon was a member of the VFW, enjoyed hunting, fishing and trapping, and spending time at camp in Magalloway and at Cedar Pond. Along with his wife, they spent their later years wintering in Port St. John, FL. In the summers, he could often be found in his yard in Shelburne splitting and stacking fire wood.

Leon is survived by his wife of 67 years, Jacqueline Napert, of Shelburne; his children Natalie Leveille and husband Richard of Topsham, ME, Gregory Napert and wife Sandra of Ft. Atkinson, WI, and Melissa Halle and husband Christopher of Shelburne, NH, 6 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his siblings Carmel Arsenault and Herbert Napert.

Services will be held in the spring at a date and time to be announced. Arrangements are entrusted to the Bryant Funeral Homes of Berlin & Gorham, NH. Memories and condolences may be shared online at www.bryantfuneralhome.net

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10/28/2025

Ernest W. Nadeau Jr.

BERLIN----- Ernest W. Nadeau Jr., 77, passed away on October 25th, 2025 at the Androscoggin Valley Hospital.

Ernest was born on December 5th, 1947 in Berlin, the son of the late Ernest and Lucille (Sevigny) Nadeau.

Ernest was a very knowledgeable man, there was nothing he couldn't fix. He worked at James River for many years and also for P&L Auto Parts.

Ernest is survived by his daughter Michelle Libby of Berlin; son Michael Imondi and wife Kristina of Loudon, NH, grandchildren; Cody, Zachary, Cameron, Ashley, Ricky, and Denise; great-grandson Tyler, and nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents Ernest was predeceased by his wife Jeannette Nadeau, daughter Jessica Moore, and son Anthony Imondi.

There will be no services at this time

Memories and condolences may be shared online at www.bryantfuneralhome.net.

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10/25/2025

Rita M. Saucier

Rita Saucier, 95, of Berlin, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 22, 2025 at the St. Vincent de Paul Rehabilitation & Nursing Center. Rita was born in Berlin, NH on March 10, 1930 and was the daughter of the late Adelard and Emma (Turcotte) Rivard. She was a graduate of Notre Dame High School and a lifelong resident of the area. Prior to her retirement, Rita had been employed as a deli manager for both Butson's Supermarket and the IGA over the years. She enjoyed playing cribbage and card games, bingo, horse races, trips to Foxwoods, California and Oregon, and time spent at Old Orchard Beach. Her favorite motto was, “I Love You More”.

Family includes her children Patricia Collopy and husband Chuck of Lake Oswego, OR, Elaine Martineau and husband Raymond of Gorham, NH, and Janet Mercier and husband Jeff of Berlin; four grandchildren Lauren Collopy and husband Tim Gately, Sean Collopy and wife Jessica Collopy, Jennifer Cash and husband Eric Cash, and Jason Mercier and wife Ella Mercier; three great-grandchildren Lila & Colby Cash and Brooks Collopy; her sister Suzanne Magoon of Campton, NH, and her brother Roger Rivard of Berlin; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was predeceased by her husband Patrick Saucier, her son Ronald Saucier, and her siblings George, Paul, Andre, Raymond, and Richard Rivard, Madeline Napert, and Jeannette Lariviere.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, November 3, 2025 at 1PM at St. Anne Church of Good Shepherd Parish, 345 Pleasant St., Berlin. Interment will follow in St. Kieran Cemetery. Relatives and friends are invited to call at the Bryant Funeral Home, 180 Hillside Ave., Berlin, from 10:30AM - 12:30PM, prior to the mass. Those who wish may make donations in Rita's memory to the St. Vincent de Paul Activities Fund, 29 Providence Ave., Berlin, NH 03570. Memories and condolences may be shared online at www.bryantfuneralhome.net.

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10/22/2025

John "Jack" P. Myler

John “Jack” P. Myler, 83, of Clearwater, Florida, entered into the Eternal Kingdom on October 21, 2025, after a period of declining health. He was born on June 24, 1942 in Glouster, MA, eldest of nine children of the late Donald Raymond and Lucy Rosalie (Guay) Myler. Jack’s family moved to Claremont, NH and then to Berlin, when his father was transferred to another J.J. Newbury store in 1952. Jack attended St. Patrick’s School and later transferred to Berlin High School, where he was interested in the automotive program, graduating in 1960.

Growing up in Berlin, Jack, his brothers and neighbors made a small ski jump on our hill. Skiing was a favorite sport and hiking up Tuckerman’s Ravine and Mt. Washington. Jack, shortly after his graduation from Berlin High, entered into Don Bosco College Seminary in Newton, NJ, under the influence of Brother Frank Tilton S. D. B. (also a Berlin native), becoming a Salesian Brother for 20 + years. He taught at the Don Bosco Technical Institute in Rosemead, CA (a private Catholic school for boys’ grades 9-12). He enjoyed taking the boys on hikes and other activities exploring the great outdoors.

Jack experienced a disabling stroke at age 43 in 1985, while living in Phoenix, AZ. With the help of family, he found a permanent home in Clearwater, and in his later years, at Palm Garden of Clearwater. Jack remained strong in his Catholic faith and was a parishioner of St. Michael the Archangel Church in Clearwater.

He leaves behind his siblings David (Charlene) of Hooksett, Patrick (May) of Zephyrhills, FL, Donna Morin of Concord, Marilyn Morgan of Fernandina Beach, FL, Loretta (Michael) Galuszka of Milan, Gary (Nita) of Milton, Debra (Scott) Lapierre of Southington, CT, Donald Jr. of Berlin and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother-in-law George Morin and great nephew Jackson Scott Palmer.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday October 28, 2025 at 10 AM at St. Anne Church of Good Shepherd Parish with the Very Rev. Kyle Stanton officiating. Interment will follow at the Calvary Cemetery, East Milan Rd, Berlin. Those attending the Mass are asked to meet directly at the church. The Bryant Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Online guestbook at www.bryantfuneralhome.net.

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10/22/2025

Gary F. Cooney

Gary F. Cooney, 77, passed away on Friday, October 17, 2025 at the Androscoggin Valley Hospital with his niece Stacey at his side. He was born in Berlin on October 25, 1947 and was the son of the late Francis and Winnifred (Moulton) Cooney. Gary was a graduate of Berlin High School Class of 1965 and was a lifelong resident of the area. A true woodsman, Gary was employed by several local companies as a lumberjack and equipment operator for many years, and was most recently a groomer operator at Wildcat Ski Area prior to his retirement.

An avid sports fan, Gary enjoyed watching sports on TV, time spent playing softball, horseshoes, and darts, going fishing, and spending time with his “Legion Family.” Though he was a man of few words, Gary had a way of getting his point across – sometimes, with just a look.

Gary is survived by his son Jeremy Cooney of Whitefield, NH; his brothers Andy Cooney of Berlin and Patrick Cooney of Berlin; his sister Sandra Solinsky and Dennis of Bath, NH; his brother-in-law Wayne Holbrook of Littleton, NH; his grandchildren Creed and Emily Cooney and their children Hadley, Wren, and Nora, Chandla Cooney and her partner Josh Riley and their children Sumner and Chesni, and Kloey and Trevor Breault and their daughter Maisie; and several nieces nephews, and cousins. Gary was predeceased by his son, Jamie Cooney, his sister-in-law Dianne Cooney, his sister Sharon Holbrook, and his nephew Shawn Cooney.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, November 14, 2025 at 10 AM at the Bryant Funeral Home, 180 Hillside Ave., Berlin, NH. Interment will follow at the Calvary Cemetery in Berlin. There will be no calling hours. Memories and condolences may be shared online at www.bryantfuneralhome.net.

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