Vernon J. 'Mush' Cormier, Jr.

SHREWSBURY - Vernon J. Cormier, Jr. was born in Worcester on November 27, 1934, the son of the late Vernon and Valentyna (Ritter) Cormier. In his early years, he was quickly coined ‘Mush’ by family, and it’s been his endearing nickname ever since and the name by which most people knew and loved him. 

Mush died peacefully on Thursday, December 12, 2024, with his family at his side. He was 90. 

Raised in Shrewsbury, he graduated from the former Major Howard Beal High School in Shrewsbury, with the class of 1953. He then attended Cushing Academy and earned his Bachelor's degree from University of Bridgeport in Connecticut. 

He married Judith A. Vigneault on August 13, 1966, in Saint Anne’s Church and they made Shrewsbury their home ever since. Mush loved his little slice of heaven on Old Mill Pond, where he enjoyed hosting simple family gatherings and large fundraising events. 

Upon graduation from college, he taught in the public school system before accepting a job as a court officer in the Webster-Dudley Court. Mush later rose to the rank of Chief Probation Court Officer, retiring in 1993. He also served as maître d’ at the former well-known Bronzo’s on Route 9. 

Mush was active in the Shrewsbury community. He was a longtime member and past officer of the Shrewsbury Lions Club and the Rotary Club; a charter member of the Knights of Columbus Adelphi Council #4181, and the Italian American Victory Club on Dewey Road. He also served on the Board of Appeals for the town. 

Mush was an adopted Auburn High School Rocket. For over 25 years, he served as an unofficial greeter and an “honorary coach” of the football team coached by his son, Jeff. He loved driving around in his golf cart, and rain or shine Mush could be found at AHS practices and games. He was extremely proud of the program and players who will long honor his memory. 

He loved cars, but his favorite was his 1964 convertible Ford Falcon. Mush was perhaps most content while cruising around with the roof down and a cigar in hand… with Judy riding shotgun.

He leaves his beloved wife of 58 years, Judith A. (Vigneault) Cormier. 

He leaves his son, Jeff W. Cormier, his wife, Bethann G. of Paxton, and his grandchildren, Katelyn M. Cormier, Seth D. Clemmer, Bliss A. Clemmer, Chelsea R. Patchen, and their spouses and children. 

He also leaves his son, Kevin J. Cormier, his wife, Kathleen M. of Marlborough, and his grandchildren, Grady J., Zachary Q., and Owen K. Cormier. 

Mush leaves his sister, Lois Dennis, and her husband, William, of State College, Pennsylvania. He is also survived by in-laws, nieces, and nephews, all of whom he loved dearly.

Family and friends will honor Mush by gathering for a Celebration of Life on Thursday, December 19th at Saint Mary's Church, 640 Main Street, Shrewsbury. The Morning Wake will be held from 10:00 - 11:45 a.m. The Funeral Mass will follow at 12:00 p.m. Burial will follow in Mountain View Cemetery, Shrewsbury. 

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to Shriners Children’s Hospital, 51 Blossom Street, Boston, MA 02114, or St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

 Arrangements by James + John Heald of The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street, Waltham.