Bernard "Bernie" Bertrand Isabelle, 66, of Barre, passed away unexpectedly Thursday, February 20, 2025, at his home.
Bernie was born April 4, 1958, in Barre, to Arthur and Lorraine Isabelle. After graduating from Spaulding High School, he worked in restaurants for much of his life, including in Barre, Bar Harbor, Maine, and Waitsfield/Warren, VT. He moved to the Mad River Valley in the 1980s and worked at various restaurants, including JJ’s Pub, Sugarbush Resort’s The Grill Down Under, where he served as manager; Baker Brothers as a wine salesman; and he co-owned and created John Egan’s Big World Pub & Grille in 1994. He owned and operated the restaurant until 2010 at two different locations: the original Madbush Falls site and motel, then at the final spot at the corner of Vermont Routes 100 and 17. Bernie thrived in the “front of the house,” and he prided himself on hiring the best waitstaff and bartenders in The Valley.
For the last 15 years, Bernie worked with Pride Support Services as a home provider for traumatic brain injury clients until the summer of 2024.
Bernie married Cassie Bell in 2000. They had two children together: Benjamin, born in 2002, and Claire, born in 2004, both of whom Bernie was incredibly proud of. Bernie dearly loved his children, his German shepherd dogs, his friends, the LA Rams, and playing golf in his early years.
He is survived by his son, Benjamin Isabelle, and daughter, Claire Isabelle; his ex-wife, Cassie Bell; and his beloved German shepherd, Venus. He is also survived by his brothers, Guy (Rita), Claude (Cindy), and Tim, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents and his sister, Pierrette Isabelle Klauder.
Graveside burial is 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, May 31, 2025, at St. Sylvester Cemetery, 22 Websterville Road, Barre, VT. Celebration of life takes place 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 31, 2025, at Old Labor Hall, 46 Granite Street, Barre, VT.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to Bernie’s children’s education fund via the GoFundMe site: https://gofund.me/917e320d. Bernie stories, memories, condolences, and contributions may also be sent to his children at 2 Owen Drive, Barre, VT 05641, or by email to
Those wishing to express online condolences may do so at www.pruneaupollifuneralhome.com.
