Alexander "Sonny" Bernardo, 86, of Rochester died Tuesday September 27, 2011 at Our Lady's Haven. He was the husband of the late Lillian (Mitchell) Bernardo.
Born and raised in Mattapoisett, the son of the late Alexander and Rose (Souza) Bernardo, he lived in North Haven, CT for 50 years before returning to Rochester several years ago.
Mr. Bernardo was employed by the U.S. Postal Service in New Haven, CT for many years until his retirement.
During World War II, he served as a medic in the U.S. Army. He was wounded in the Battle of the Bulge and was awarded the Purple Heart.
He was an active member of the IV Division Association and a member of the Holy Ghost Society in Mattapoisett. He was an avid bowler and gardener. He was very artistic and built his own boat "RhonJoy".
Survivors include a daughter, Rhonda Criscuolo and her husband Paul of Mattapoisett; two sisters, Rose Farias of Fall River and Alice Blankenship of Punta Gorda, FL; a granddaughter, Rachel Riccardella and her husband Paul; and a great-granddaughter, Mary Lillian Riccardella.
His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday at 10 AM at St. Anthony's Church, Mattapoisett. Burial with military honors will follow in Rural Cemetery, New Bedford. Visitation at the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Route 6, Mattapoisett, Friday 8:30-9:30 AM prior to the Mass. Remembrances may be made to Community Nurse and Hospice Care, P.O. Box 751, Fairhaven, MA 02719. For directions and guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.