Ernest R Bussiere's Obituary
Ernest Roger Bussiere
March 2, 1949 - January 8,2026
Ernest " Ernie" Roger Bussiere, a five year resident of New Port Richey, Florida, passed away on January 8th at the age of 75. He was born in New Bedford, Massachusetts to Daniel M. Bussiere and Germaine Jeanne Sorelle.
Major milestones in Ernie's life reflect his Catholic upbringing. He acted on his life-long passion to connect and serve in something bigger than himself. Ernie joined the Air Force on June 12th, 1968 and served in Japan. On July 1st, 1970, he was honorably discharged and began his career within the Shimano Corporation. He became fluent in Japanese. In his spare time, he learned Japanese carpentry. He left the corporate world to study full time under a master daiku, studying the ancient art of Japanese temple carpentry.
Ernie returned to the United States, choosing to reside in Georgia. He translated his skills into American carpentry and for many years, he built homes in the Georgia suburbs and he built cabins in the mountains.
Ernie returned to Massachusetts in the nineties and found a personal spiritual awakening in the Church of Scientology. Deepening his sense of purpose, he continued his career, now owning a carpentry business. Doing business under the name, Grumpy Old Handyman, Ernie restored many of Beacon Hill's oldest building interiors. Known for his personable manner and integrity, Ernie gave back to his community by hiring and teaching young people to start their own businesses as carpenters and house painters. To this day, the work done by Ernie and his helpers may be seen in downtown Boston, including in the Prudential Center as well as in countless Boston downtown and suburban communities.
Ernie met his wife, Samantha through the Boston church, and they enjoyed eleven happy years together. He had been married twice previously. Ernie had no children.
Ernie was the middle child with an older sister, Joanne and a younger sister, Diane whom he loved dearly. He is survived by his wife, Samantha Bussiere, and his sister, Joanne Fernandes.
What’s your fondest memory of Ernest?
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Share a story where Ernest's kindness touched your heart.
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