MONKTON — Paul J. Brunet of Monkton died Sept. 19, 2022, at the age of 86. He was born in Burlington, Vt., to Florence (Meilleur) and Euclid Brunet.

Paul grew up in Ferrisburgh and went to school in a one-room schoolhouse where eight of the 16 students were his siblings. He served his country honorably during the Korean War. Upon leaving the military he married Christine (Gallant) and bought the family farm, where he farmed for 18 years.

Chris and Pauline started a small trash business, which grew too big for them to operate, so he sold the farm and owned and operated Town and Country Pickup for the next 30 years. He sold that business, worked for the new owner a few years, and went on to work for Green Mountain Messenger, various auto shops delivering vehicles, then worked for Bourdeau Brothers and his final employment (in his 80s) was driving clients to appointments for ACTR, which he thoroughly enjoyed. If he was driving, he was happy.

Paul was a long-time member of The American Legion Post 14 in Vergennes, Addison County Eagles of Vergennes, and a lifetime member of the Good Sam Club, where he and Chris, and eventually Alice, enjoyed many camping trips with good friends. He was kind-hearted and didn’t hold a grudge. Paul also had a great sense of humor and a chuckle that meant he was up to no good! He loved children, beer and wine but not necessarily in that order. He also loved getting Robin riled up and he could do so easily! Like holding his breath when she was trying to get an oxygen reading. The resounding statements since his death are he was a character, fun to talk to, and an enjoyable person!

Paul is survived by wife Alice (Ouellette) and her children and grandchildren (who helped care for him over the years); his children Pam (Roger) Norton, Paula Brunet (Jim Jennings), Kevin (Maria Godinez), Robin (Tom) Vaughan, Carol Bushey (Scott Manning); his grandchildren Kara (Bill) Mitchell, Jeremy (Becky) Dowdy, Tim Dowdy, Crysta Brunet (Ben Williams), Levi (Elyse) Cousino, Joshua (Anna), Cody (Cassie Constant); his great-grandchildren Logan Larocque, Harper Mitchell, Jayden and Rosalynn Brunet, Charles Williams, Cam, Ellie and Finn Cousino, Ciel Bushey, Ashton Wells, and Eli Wells Martel; and his siblings, Claire Gendreau, Norman (Rosalie), Irene (Joseph) Choiniere and his twin Pauline Rheaume. He is also survived by many much-loved nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by the mother of his children, Christine (Gallant); his parents; his siblings Fern (Francis) Killion, Alcide, Marcel (Noela), Eugene (Lorraine), Theresa (Tom) Blanchette and Pauline’s husband Bill.

Special thanks to Paula and Carol for helping him through his final night and to Addison County Home Health and Hospice employees for their dedicated care and service. If you are so inclined, memorial contributions in his name may be made to Addison County Home Health and Hospice, PO Box 754, Middlebury, VT 0575.

Per Paul’s request there will be no wake. There will be a mass at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Vergennes at 11 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 24, with the graveside service to follow. A celebration of his life and light meal will immediately follow the graveside service at the Vergennes American Legion (downstairs), 100 Armory Lane. ◊