Timeline for Bernard J. Regnier
Born: May 14, 1953
Died: April 26, 2025
Bernard J. “Butch” Regnier, 71, of Ludlow, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 26, 2025. Born in Ludlow on May 14, 1953, he was the son of the late Louis and Lucille (Lavoie) Regnier. A graduate of Cathedral High School, Butch was proud to be the starting shortstop on the 1971 baseball team that won the Western Mass Championship. Shortly before his death he recalled this as a “sweet win”. He went on to attend STCC and earn his B.S. from UMass/Amherst in 1981. Known as Bernie to business associates and Butch to family and friends, he was employed by Randall’s Farm and the Ludlow Parks Department before joining the staff of the Ludlow Boys and Girls Club. He later worked as the Finance Manager at Valley Wholesale Building Products, Bradco Supply and Beacon Sales, retiring in 2019. Butch served as a member of the Ludlow School Committee from 1988-1998, chairing during the crucial budget crisis in 1993 and was an integral member of the townwide committee that worked to secure the funding in 1998 for the renovations to Baird Middle School and Ludlow High School. He was a member of the Board of Directors of the Ludlow Boys and Girls Club, serving as vice-president. In his youth he played Tri-County baseball and later in several adult softball leagues. Butch was passionate about baseball, founding the Ludlow Youth Baseball Assoc, serving as President of NEYSA; coaching America Legion baseball, the Agawam Dirt Dogs, the Ludlow Boys and Girls Club baseball, basketball and football, as well as the Whitney Park Summer basketball program.
Butch was proud to be the oldest of Hector and Laura Lavoie’s 24 grandchildren. He was incredibly proud of his four sons and their success in both their professional and home lives. He is survived by his sons Brian Regnier (Karin); Craig Regnier (Sara); Sean Regnier (Haily) and Todd Regnier (Khanitta); his sister Marie Hassan; his brother Thomas Regnier (Dianne) and his sister Jane Fisher (Ped), as well as his former wife Jettie McCollough. Butch also leaves his 6 grandchildren James (Nina), Tymothy, Andrew, Abigail, Logan and Olivia, his great-grandson Calvin and his longtime companion Cory Bee.
Butch’s family would like to thank the members of his Parkinson’s support group for their unwavering friendship and encouragement. They would also like to express their sincere appreciation to JGS Lifecare in Longmeadow, for their incredible care and allowing Butch a dignified passing.
Visiting hours will be Thursday, May 1, 2025 from 4:00-7:00 PM at the Kapinos-Mazur Funeral Home, 64 Sewall Street, Ludlow, MA. A Liturgy of Christian Burial for Butch will be held Friday, May 2, 2025 at 11:30 AM in St. Elizabeth’s Parish, Hubbard St., Ludlow, MA. Please meet directly at church. Burial will private. The family invites colleagues and former players to join them Friday from 2:00-4:00 PM at Iron Duke Brewing to celebrate Butch’s life. Donations in Butch’s memory may be made to the American Parkinsons Disease Association, Massachusetts Chapter, 85 E. Concord St, Boston, MA 02118.
Bernie and I were very similar in what we had. Back Aches included. He was a special friend to me. He always said I needed to jab when I boxed, on a bag, because he could hit me many times when I was taking my wild swings. He always encouraged me to Jab and hit harder. He and I both started with Dopafit about the same time. He was also diagnosed about the same time as me. I miss you Bernie. Marge Wallner I used to enjoy going to Marge's exercise and talking with Bernie about what was happening in the sports world. It was a good time going to the Woosox game with him. He had a great time. The only complaint he had was that the ball parks beers were really big. I will miss you Bernie, My love. RIP Bob Wallner
Craig, sorry for your family's loss. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
I'm sad to lose my childhood best friend, Butch Regnier. At age 3, we lived across the street from each other in Ludlow. We grew up with games as our uniting theme. Indoors it was billiards, ping pong, chess and hockey. Neighborhood baseball, football and hockey when outdoors. Later we graduated to the boardgame Stratomatic Baseball with our third, Bob Meyer. I regret that we did not stay in contact well in our adult lives, but I appreciated the chance to see him a few times in recent years. I remember him fondly.
Craig and Family, Sending you all my deepest Sympathy and prayers during this difficult time. He must have been an amazing Father to have raised such a nice son.
Butch and I met when we were 11 or 12, through a mutual friend (and his neighbor), Rick Methot. Some of the greatest summers any kid could ever have were spent with Butch and others, riding our bikes to Chapin St School for long days of pick up baseball, shooting hoops and playing Strat-O-Matic baseball. I think I beat him once at ping pong - although it was only once in several thousands of games. I will always remember him and his friendship. RIP, Butch.
So sorry for your loss.
I met Bernie several years ago at our Parkinson’s fitness program. The first time I saw him put on his boxing gloves and pound away on the heavy bag, it was obvious to me that he was no rookie. He gave me some great tips on how to get the most out of the boxing sessions which I’ll never forget. Bernie was loved by everyone in our Parkinson’s group and he will be greatly missed. RIP my friend. Bob Blanchette
Offering Prayers of serenity for Brian and his family during this time of reflection and reminiscing. May you be comforted by the love and support of those around you and know that your father's love is forever present and will continue to be shared with you through the words and actions of others. From a soft smile to a gentle touch to a warm embrace, your father's love will continue to be shared with you. Wishing you and your family Peace and Comfort during this difficult time.
Bernie and I worked together at Valley Wholesale, and then overlapped in the roofing industry for many years. Always a wonderful guy with a great sense of humor. Also a great third baseman and forward in company softball and hoop games!
My late husband, Steve (Alport) enjoyed time spent with Bernie after “class.” I remember Steve telling me that Bernie was very smart. Bernie’s memory will forever be a blessing.
One of the greatest humans I’ve ever met. I worked with him at Beacon for many years. I consider him a mentor, a colleague - but more importantly - I consider him a truly great friend. I will treasure the memories of this fine gentleman for the rest of my days. Til we meet again Bernie! And when we do meet again - I will bring the Malbec. You bring the craft beers and that smile and that ‘always-on’ and timeless sense of humor. Oh, and … that east coast grit for good measure. Cheers sir! Miss ya already Luv Dustin Allen
Date: Thursday, May 1, 2025
Time: 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Date: Friday, May 2, 2025
Time: 11:30 am
Donations in Butch’s memory may be made to the American Parkinsons Disease Association, Massachusetts Chapter, 85 E. Concord St, Boston, MA 02118.
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Our sincere condolences.
The staff of Kapinos-Mazur Funeral Home.
Bernie and I were very similar in what we had. Back Aches included. He was a special friend to me. He always said I needed to jab when I boxed, on a bag, because he could hit me many times when I was taking my wild swings. He always encouraged me to Jab and hit harder. He and I both started with Dopafit about the same time. He was also diagnosed about the same time as me. I miss you Bernie. Marge Wallner I used to enjoy going to Marge's exercise and talking with Bernie about what was happening in the sports world. It was a good time going to the Woosox game with him. He had a great time. The only complaint he had was that the ball parks beers were really big. I will miss you Bernie, My love. RIP Bob Wallner
Craig, sorry for your family's loss. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
I'm sad to lose my childhood best friend, Butch Regnier. At age 3, we lived across the street from each other in Ludlow. We grew up with games as our uniting theme. Indoors it was billiards, ping pong, chess and hockey. Neighborhood baseball, football and hockey when outdoors. Later we graduated to the boardgame Stratomatic Baseball with our third, Bob Meyer. I regret that we did not stay in contact well in our adult lives, but I appreciated the chance to see him a few times in recent years. I remember him fondly.
Craig and Family, Sending you all my deepest Sympathy and prayers during this difficult time. He must have been an amazing Father to have raised such a nice son.
Butch and I met when we were 11 or 12, through a mutual friend (and his neighbor), Rick Methot. Some of the greatest summers any kid could ever have were spent with Butch and others, riding our bikes to Chapin St School for long days of pick up baseball, shooting hoops and playing Strat-O-Matic baseball. I think I beat him once at ping pong - although it was only once in several thousands of games. I will always remember him and his friendship. RIP, Butch.
So sorry for your loss.
I met Bernie several years ago at our Parkinson’s fitness program. The first time I saw him put on his boxing gloves and pound away on the heavy bag, it was obvious to me that he was no rookie. He gave me some great tips on how to get the most out of the boxing sessions which I’ll never forget. Bernie was loved by everyone in our Parkinson’s group and he will be greatly missed. RIP my friend. Bob Blanchette
Offering Prayers of serenity for Brian and his family during this time of reflection and reminiscing. May you be comforted by the love and support of those around you and know that your father's love is forever present and will continue to be shared with you through the words and actions of others. From a soft smile to a gentle touch to a warm embrace, your father's love will continue to be shared with you. Wishing you and your family Peace and Comfort during this difficult time.
Bernie and I worked together at Valley Wholesale, and then overlapped in the roofing industry for many years. Always a wonderful guy with a great sense of humor. Also a great third baseman and forward in company softball and hoop games!
My late husband, Steve (Alport) enjoyed time spent with Bernie after “class.” I remember Steve telling me that Bernie was very smart. Bernie’s memory will forever be a blessing.
One of the greatest humans I’ve ever met. I worked with him at Beacon for many years. I consider him a mentor, a colleague - but more importantly - I consider him a truly great friend. I will treasure the memories of this fine gentleman for the rest of my days. Til we meet again Bernie! And when we do meet again - I will bring the Malbec. You bring the craft beers and that smile and that ‘always-on’ and timeless sense of humor. Oh, and … that east coast grit for good measure. Cheers sir! Miss ya already Luv Dustin Allen
Kapinos-Mazur Funeral Home
Our sincere condolences.
The staff of Kapinos-Mazur Funeral Home.