Father Rene R. Bisaillon, M.S., 88

Father Rene R. Bisaillon, M.S, (Missionary of Our Lady of La Salette), 88, died March 10 at the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette in the Philippines. He had been a missionary in the order for 67 years.

“Father Biz,” as he was affectionately known, was born in Cohoes on March 17, 1931, son of Leonel and Annette Bisaillon. He left home at 15 to begin his priesthood studies in Enfield, N.H., and continued in Brewster and Attleboro, Mass. He professed his vows in 1953 and was ordained April 25, 1959.

Five months later in September of 1959, Father Bisaillon volunteered to work in the Philippines, ministering to the sick, poor, elderly and the dying, as well as anyone who needed help in the barrios and distant areas of northern Luzon. He served there for 32 selfless years, then was assigned to the islands of Oahu and Kauai in Hawaii for 17 years. He spent his last five years retired at the National Shrine in the Philippines.

Father Bisaillon was predeceased by his parents and siblings Irene (Louis) Favreau and Fred Bisaillon. He is survived by his loving brothers, Roland (Nancy) and Richard (Rita), and sisters, Rita (Philip) Reynolds and Jeannette Cox; several treasured nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews, as well as many cherished friends in the Philippines, Hawaii and the United States. He is also survived by an “adopted” son, Armando Papa, in the Philippines, his wife, Annie Rose, and daughter, Einna Lei. Father Bisaillon started to care for the 9-month old Armando when his ill mother was admitted to the hospital which refused to take the sick baby because he was too close to death. A Mass of Christian Burial and interment was held at the National Shrine and Missionary Garden in the Philippines. A memorial service will be held at Corpus Christi Church in Round Lake at a later date.

Father Bisaillon started a La Salette fund many years ago to help the poor and sick in the Philippines. To contribute to this fund, contact Rita Reynolds, 183 Oak Brook Commons, Clifton Park, N.Y., 12065