Obituary of Bruce E. Charbonneau

Bruce E. Charbonneau, 81, of Kinderhook, NY, passed away on January 11, 2024, his wife of 54 years by his side. He was born July 29, 1942 in Providence, RI to Adonis and Olive (Budlong) Charbonneau. He proudly served in the Navy's "Silent Service" aboard the Balao-class diesel submarine USS Carp and was the first of his family to go on to college, earning a bachelor's degree in accounting and a master's in banking. He was a career banker who ultimately became head of Fleet Bank's Emergency Preparedness Division. In retirement, Bruce dedicated himself to his community, volunteering on the Kinderhook Village Board of Appeals, Kinderhook Village Planning Board, Palmer Engine & Hose Co., and Kinderhook Memorial Library Board of Trustees, among other organizations. He enjoyed skiing, hunting, fishing, trap shooting, stamp collecting, and was an avid UConn Huskies basketball fan. He had a passion for history and, over the years, lived in and restored two 18th century homes. He also built a contemporary house from the foundation up, doing almost all of the work himself on the weekends. Most important to him was his family. Bruce is survived by his wife, Susan Kennedy Charbonneau, two sons of whom he was very proud, Seth (Pamela) Charbonneau, of Littleton, Co., and Adam (Jennifer) Charbonneau of Kinderhook, and his cherished granddaughter, Caitlin. He was predeceased by his parents and his sister, Patricia Boshell. Bruce's family will host a celebration of his life at Raymond E. Bond Funeral Home, 1015 Kinderhook St., Valatie on Friday, January 19 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his honor to the Kinderhook Memorial Library, Palmer Engine & Hose Co., Valatie Food Pantry, or Columbia-Greene Humane Society, or by volunteering to a worthy cause.