ATHOL
Bernard (Bernie) Mancini of Athol, passed away peacefully on January 25, 2017 surrounded by his family and his loving wife, Mary. He was pre-deceased by his mother, Helen (Rubbicco) and his father, Alfred Mancini.
Bernie was born on February 7, 1942 and was originally from Medford graduating from Medford High School. He was an avid Boston Red Sox fan watching every game including preseason. Bernie along with his son, Freddie, coached the Cardinals for the Medford Babe Ruth amongst many other teams and leagues. He loved music and played the bass guitar with the “Premiers” in Boston back in the 1970’s. He could also be found strumming on the guitar and singing with his grandchildren.
Bernie loved to cook and would make the best eggplant parmesan you ever tasted. He was the original owner of Mancini’s in Bedford, Leominster and Wilmington. He worked for many years and retired from Western Electric (AT &T). After retirement he didn’t stop and could be found doing masonry work as his father had done before him. He also loved bowling and had a passion for preaching the gospel and could be found doing bible studies at the Baldwinville Nursing home and helping out with Sunday school at the Church of God in Winchendon where he was a member. After moving to Baldwinville Bernie sat on the Planning Board for 3 years.
Bernie is survived by his wife, Mary (Norton); his children, Denise and her husband, Richard McCabe from Athol, Alfred Mancini and his wife, Dina of Tewksbury, Sean Brown and his wife, Jean from Nova Scotia, Sheryl Marrazzo and her husband, John from Hudson, Shane Brown and his wife, Ryann from Gardner; 16 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; many cousins; and his animals.
Calling hours for Bernie will be held on Saturday, January 28, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. followed by a funeral service at 11 a.m. in the Tighe-Hamilton Funeral Home, 50 Central Street, Hudson. Burial will follow at Forestvale Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Bernie’s name to Ahimsa Haven Animal Rescue at 381R Baldwinville Road, Templeton, MA 01468.