Tribute & Message From The Family
LAWRENCE JAMES BELLEROSE
LAWRENCE JAMES BELLEROSE of Putnam, CT died January 14, 2021 at the age of 82. He was the former owner of the Gilman and Valade Funeral Homes of Putnam and North Grosvenor Dale, CT. Bellerose began working for the Gilman family at the age of 16. He served his apprenticeship with James T. Pratt Funeral Service in Hartford. In 1973, after 15 years working with the Gilman family, he purchased the firm. He and his wife, Arlene, owned and operated it alongside the Valade Funeral Home in North Grosvenor Dale, which they purchased in 1980. They retired in 2003. A graduate of the New England Institute of Mortuary Science, he was a member and past president of the Connecticut Funeral Directors Association and a member of the National Funeral Directors Association.
Condolence & Memory Journal
After retiring Larry worked part time with us at Becker Funeral Home in Clermont, Florida. He was a very kind and caring person. During that time we had the pleasure of seeing Arlene from time to time as she would drop him off and pick him up. Loved her sparky personality! Please accept my condolences for the loss of these two beautiful souls.
Posted by
Kaye Stewart - Clermont, FL - Coworker February 26, 2021
I just found out about Larry passing away, so please accept my condolences on the loss to the Bellerose family. Larry was a wonderful person and a true gentleman.
Posted by
Charles Becker February 26, 2021
Dear Bellerose Family,
I am deeply sorry for your loss. I had the honor and priveledge of caring for Larry the past year and a half at Matulaitis. He was such a sweet, gentle soul. He always asked me how my day was, and we would often have conversations. I wanted his family to know that he was not alone in his final moments at Matulaitis, and I'm glad I was able to be the aide in the room with him. He made an impact on my life, and will be forever missed. Rest easy Mr. Bellerose
Posted by
Kaleigh Sharp January 24, 2021
David, We are very sorry for your loss. Your Dad and Mom were very dear friends to us and had some wonderful times with them professionally and socially. Our sympathy and prayers go out to your family. Ron & Emilie Duhaime
Posted by
Ron & Emilie Duhaime - Bristol, CT - Friend January 23, 2021
I was saddened to read that Larry had died. My association with him goes way back to 1970 when as a young nun just out of nursing school (where I went out of my way to avoid anyone who was deceased), I was told by one of the experienced nurses that we were going over to Gilman's to get one of the elderly nuns dressed for her funeral. There I met Larry for the first time. He put me at ease, seeing, I am sure, the terror in my eyes. That was the first of many times I went there for the same purpose. I was always impressed by the care, kindness and respect with which he did his job. He set the tone in his business which I saw over the years as I attended many funerals and witnessed the same care and compassion. Sending caring thoughts to you, Kathy and to your brothers and the grandkids.
Posted by
Mary Ellen Snyder - Danielson, CT - Friend January 21, 2021
I offer my prayers to Larry's family.
I often spoke to Larry and Arlene while working at St. Joseph Church in Dayville. They both were awesome people. I was blessed to have known them.
Posted by
Sheila Mills January 20, 2021
My sympathy and prayers to the family and I will always remember how kind Larry and Arlene were to me as I called on them as a casket salesman. I also served in the Reserves (Navy) so we had a lot in common. He helped people get into West Point and I did the same at Annapolis.
Posted by
Abner Oakes January 20, 2021
Dave, So very sorry for your loss..
Jerry & Valerie Paen
Posted by
Genaro Paen - Leominster, MA - Friend January 20, 2021
Dave and family,
I am sorry to read of your father's passing. May he rest in peace...
Bob Sweet
Posted by
Robert Sweet - Worcester, MA - Friend January 18, 2021
Dear members of Larry's family: It is with much sadness that I have read of Larry's passing.We were first cousins as my mother and his were sisters. I visited Larry at the nursing home in 2019, but was unable to do so in 2020 due to Covid 19. My wife Lorraine and I offer our deepest sympathy to all of you.
May God bless you all and keep youn safe. - Roger C. Pellerin
Posted by
Roger Pellerin - Brooklyn, CT - Family January 17, 2021
Dave sorry for your loss.
Posted by
Michael Jedrzynski - Friend January 17, 2021
Dave and family,
So sorry to hear of your father“s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad time.
May he Rest In Peace.
Sincerely l
JerryPoulin
Posted by
JerryPoulin January 16, 2021
Very sad news. Larry and Arline were always nice to work with in dealing with personal family losses. Now it's time for us to grieve for them. May they rest in peace together.
Posted by
Gloria Plante - Brooklyn, CT January 16, 2021
John, so sorry to learn of your dad's passing. Do remember having a few laughs with your parents over the years, and he was so wonderful to me when my mom passed. I am sure many others can say the same things about him. May good memories ease you though this time. Sincerely Jan Dodge Alton
Posted by
JANICE ALTON - Millbury, MA - Family Friend January 16, 2021
My deepest sympathies to all of you.My husband worked for Larry then continued to work at Gilmans . Till he passed. You are all in prayer
Posted by
Marian Smat - Putnam, CT - Friend January 16, 2021
Condolences to your family, Larry! Thanks for the memories!!
Posted by
Dick Trudeau - Thompson, CT - Friend January 16, 2021
Rest in Pease, you earned it.
Dick Herron
Posted by
Richard Herron - Auburn, MA - Family Friend January 16, 2021