Bernard L. Plantier

LATHAM – Bernard Leon Plantier, lovingly known as Bernie, 91, of Latham, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 15, 2025, in the hospital surrounded by family.

He was born in Cohoes, NY and was the son of Edgar Leon Plantier and Beatrice Chaput. Bernie was a deeply devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He consistently dedicated his time and energy to his cherished family and friends. He enjoyed traveling with his beloved wife of 61 years, Marge, and he loved spending quality time with his children and grandchildren. He was a fabulous storyteller, a clever jokester, a mathematics and crossword connoisseur, a bit of a World War II expert, and a fun-loving man who was always ready for an adventure.

Bernie worked at Swanknit, Inc., maker of infant and children’s sleepwear, for 35 years. He served as their bookkeeper and office manager. He was dedicated to his job, loved his co-workers, and always looked out for them. Bernie was a proud veteran, serving in the U.S. Army as a company clerk from 1953 to 1955. He was an avid bowler and bowled the first sanctioned 300 game at Cohoes Bowling Arena. He was also a huge baseball fan and had a deep love for the game. He rarely missed a Mets or Dodgers game, and when they played each other, he would root for both.

Bernie is survived by his daughters, Michele Lawton and Denise Nairy, his grandchildren - Timothy (Sydney) Lawton, Jack Lawton, Grace Lawton, Joseph Lawton, and Thomas Lawton, as well as Allyson (Nicholas) Schmania, Keaton Nairy, and Olivia Nairy - and great grandchildren, Vivian and Iris Schmania. Many nieces and nephews also survive.

Bernie was predeceased by his loving wife, Marge Plantier, his sister, Jacqueline Plantier, his brother, Roger Plantier, and his sister, Judith Woodard.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, March 24, at 9:00 am at Cannon Funeral Home, 2020 Central Avenue, Colonie. Relatives and friends are invited to visit alongside Bernie’s family on Sunday, March 23, from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm at the funeral home with a service at 4pm. Interment will be in Saratoga National VA Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers and in recognition of the wonderful care and support Bernie provided to his grandson with autism, memorial contributions may be made to Cardinal McCloskey Community Services, 115 E. Stevens Avenue, Ste LL5, Valhalla, NY 10595.

To leave a message of condolence, visit www.CannonFuneral.com.