Jean-Pierre A. Belperron

Jean-Pierre Andre Camille Belperron, 84, of Easton, beloved husband of the late Mary Deffigos Belperron, passed away peacefully on March 12, 2019. Born on July 1, 1934 in Paris, France, he was the son of the late Pierre and Simone Belperron. 

As a young boy in Paris he endured the occupation during World War II and did his part in the resistance by spitting cherry pits at the German soldiers from his balcony.  Throughout his life, patriotism was always paramount and he became a US citizen in the early 1970’s. He loved his French heritage, but was very proud to be an American. J-P met and fell madly in love with Mary during a trans-Atlantic crossing on the Île de France as he was returning to France after completing an internship in Chicago and a cross-country tour of the US.  They were married on August 16, 1959 in a double wedding ceremony with Mary’s sister Tulla.

They lived in France and Algeria, where J-P served as a French paratrooper, before moving to the U.S.  J-P worked in finance, sales and operations for international steel companies, Cosid and Voestalpine in New York City.  He retired on the first day of the 21st century and enjoyed woodworking, traveling, and skiing at Butternut which he did until he was 79.  He was an avid reader and lover of history, and enjoyed solving all kinds of puzzles.  What he was most famous for, however were his models.  He built dozens of models of famous landmark buildings (many now on display at the Easton Library) and of course his ever-expanding Christmas village, that he enjoyed sharing with all family and friends. 

He held himself and all of us to a higher standard, and all that knew him also knew that they were better for it.  His great joy throughout his life however, was to make us all laugh. He was devoted to his wife and family, both in the U.S. and France. Whether you knew him as Jean-Pierre, J-P, Papa, Pappy, or Uncle J-P, he was one of a kind! And he would want us all to remember that, “He is always fine and one kiss is not enough.”

Jean-Pierre is survived by his loving children, Pierre (Susan) Belperron, Michele (George) Papadimitriou, and Alexia Belperron (Joseph Ueland); cherished grandchildren, André, Pascal, Andrianna, Marcel, and Elias; beloved brother, Patrice (Alice); and many brothers and sisters in law, cousins, nieces, and nephews residing here and in France. He was predeceased by his siblings, Chantal and Jacques.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, March 18, 2019, at 10:30 a.m. at Holy Cross Church, 750 Tahmore Dr., Fairfield (MEET DIRECTLY AT CHURCH). Interment will occur at a later date. Friends and family may call from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday, March 17, 2019 at the CODY-WHITE FUNERAL HOME, 107 Broad St., Milford, CT 06460. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at https://act.alz.org/site/Donation.

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