Bert A. Bigelow

Bert A. Bigelow, 89, of Coventry, widow of Florette (Schenck) Bigelow, passed away peacefully in his home on Tuesday April 17, 2012. He was born in Willimantic, CT on November 5, 1922, the son of the late Albert and Edna (LaFlamme) Bigelow. He retired from UConn after 36 years as Head Cook. He went on leisurely cruises on Coventry Lake on his boat that friends named "Rigor Mortis". He became a clown and was in numerous parades as "BABS The Clown". He brought smiles to many patients in nursing homes. He often said - "If I made someone smile today, I am happy". He is survived by his five children, Larry and his fiancAC. Kathy of East Otis, MA; Ronny and his wife Louise of Bristol, CT; Tommy and his wife Carol of Monson, MA; Carol Hoover and her husband Leo of Charlotte, NC and Louise Roy and her husband James of East Hampton, CT. In addition, he leaves many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He also leaves his brothers, Charles Bigelow of Enfield, Raymond Bigelow and Donald Bigelow of Willimantic; his sisters, Rose Zoldac of Willimantic and Madelyn Boucar of Andover. He was predeceased by his brothers, Buddy, Gene, Henry and Robert and his sister, Nellie. Bert's family would like to extend a special thanks to his loving caregiver, Fatou. His family will receive relatives and friends on Thursday April 19th between 6:00pm and 8:00pm at Potter Funeral Home, 456 Jackson St. (Rte. 195) Willimantic. The funeral service will take place at the funeral home on Friday at 11:00am with interment following in St. Joseph Cemetery, Windham. Memorial Donations in Bert's name may be made to Hospice of Eastern Connecticut, 34 Ledgebrook Drive, Mansfield Center, CT 06250. For an online memorial guestbook, please visit www.potterfuneralhome.com .