It is with great sorrow, but infinite love, that we share the passing of Jacques Clement Trahan, 94, of Starr Farm Beach, Burlington, Vt. Jacques passed away peacefully, Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at Our Lady of Providence Residential Care Community in Winooski, Vt.
Jacques was born on June 19, 1931, in Burlington, Vt., the son of Anatole and Eva (Lacoste) Trahan. He graduated from Cathedral High School in Burlington in 1950 and went to Burlington Trade School, training to become a master tool and diemaker. He then worked at the Sikorsky Plant in Stratford, Conn., producing helicopter blades. In 1957, he was hired by IBM of Essex Junction, Vt. As one of the earliest hires, he worked at IBM as a mechanical engineer for 32 years.
Jacques served honorably in the Vermont Army Air Corps during the Korean War on a PT 110 Air-Sea and Rescue boat. One of Jacques’ great passions was working on the water as part of an Air Force Army Rescue Team. Indeed, he was happiest when he was either on the water or working on a vessel that would take him there. He was also an active member of the Knights of Columbus for 67 years.
After the war, he became reacquainted with his childhood sweetheart, Jean Williams, who lived across the street. Jean often retold the story of how, on their first date, he presented her with a jar of pickles. They were married at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Burlington on April 14, 1956. Jean passed away on February 6, 2023, the very day after celebrating their 67th year of marriage at St. Joseph’s Cathedral.
Jacques spent his off-hours enjoying his family on Lake Champlain at Starr Farm Beach and taking cruises around the world with his lovely bride, Jean. In retirement, Jacques and Jean rested in the warm winters of central Florida, where they made many close friends.
Jacques and Jean had 10 children, resided on North Avenue in Burlington, Vt., and were lifetime parishioners of St. Joseph’s Co-Cathedral in Burlington. They often said they were defined by their faith and their wealth was in their children. Family is the nucleus of society.
Jacques is predeceased by his brothers, Claude, Normand and Bruno; and his daughter Jean Eva, lovingly referred to as “Baby Jean.” He is survived by his nine children: Claude Trahan (Victoria), Anne-Marie Horne (Douglas), Jacqueline Trahan, Lawrence Trahan (Cindy), Daniel Trahan (Holly), Mark Trahan, Timothy Trahan (Cyndee), Elizabeth Trahan and Michelle Trahan-Jones; his 20 grandchildren: Maria Olson, Nicole LaRoche, Austin LaRoche, Adam Trahan, Jessica Harrison, Major Gregory Trahan, William Trahan, Christopher Trahan, Jacob Trahan, Megan Trahan, Kathryn Trahan, Jason Trahan, Adeline Trahan, Julian Trahan, Luke Kranz, Shelby Barwin, Gabrielle Kranz, Isaac Kranz, Noah Jones and Emrys Jones; and his 15 great-grandchildren: Henrik Olson, Ollie Olson, Ava Olson, Justus Bowen, Jaiden Trahan, Olivia Trahan, Liam Trahan, Kameron Trahan, Makayla Harrison, Alexander Trahan, Miles Trahan, Lilly Trahan, Nora Trahan, Emma Trahan and Eleanor Kranz.
His family is grateful to the caregivers and staff of Our Lady of Providence and University of Vermont Home Health & Hospice, who provided him with comfort, dignity and loving care.
Jacques often said that there are not enough laughs in this world. One of his key claims to fame was a stunt with buddies creating “Champagne on Champlain,” featured in the book Champlain Valley Memories: Volume III.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated for Jacques on Friday, October 10, 2025, 10 a.m., at St. Joseph’s Cathedral, 29 Allen St., Burlington, VT. Burial will follow at New Mount Calvary Cemetery on Plattsburg Ave., Burlington, VT. Visiting hours will be on Thursday, October 9, 2025, 5 to 7 p.m., at the Ready Funeral Home, 261 Shelburne Rd., Burlington, VT.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider donating to the following nonprofit organizations: St. Joseph Cathedral Parish and Vermont Catholic Charities.
Arrangements are in the care of Ready Funeral & Cremation Services. To send online condolences, please visit readyfuneral.com.
This article appears in Oct 1-7 2025.