Gerald R. Bernier, 91
Former Longtime Norton Resident
Dateline: Madeira Beach, Florida
Gerald R. Bernier, 91, of Madeira Beach, Florida formerly of Norton died on Tuesday May 29, 2007 at Cortland Place in Greenville, Rhode Island. He was the beloved husband of Jacqueline L. (Laliberte) Bernier to whom he was wed to on July 2, 1982. His first wife was the late Margaret C. (Sweeney) Bernier to whom he was wed to on June 14, 1947 and who passed away on June 14, 1980.
Born in the Chartley section of Norton on May 16, 1916 he was a loving son of the late Joseph and Ida (Bellerose) Bernier.
He grew up in Norton, was educated in St. Joseph’s Parochial Schools in Attleboro and was a 1934 graduate of Norton High School. He went on to graduate Cum Laude from the Suffolk University School of Law. Gerald proudly served his country during WWII. He served in the U.S. Army in the European Theatre and was honorably discharged in 1946 with the rank of Technical Sergeant.
Mr. Bernier was employed by the former Fernandes Supermarkets. He served as the Administrative Assistant to the owner of the company, Mr. Joseph E. Fernandes. He worked for the company for 28 years before retiring. He had formerly been employed as a Purchasing Agent for the T.J. Holmes Co. in Norton for 17 years.
While living in Norton he was a communicant of St. Mary’s Church and was a member of the churches Holy Name Society. He was a member of the Fillmore/Nason V.F.W. Post 8049 in Norton.
As a young man he was a member of the Boy Scouts of America and when he was an adult raising his family he served as an Assistant Scout Master, bestowing the same values to others that he himself learned as a youth.
Gerald enjoyed gardening, woodworking, carpentry, fishing and boating. He was quite proud of the fact that he had built 3 homes, 2 in Norton and 1 in Buzzards Bay. The Cape home served as a place that he cherished the wonderful summers spent with his loving family. Mr. Bernier had made his home in Madeira Beach for the past 20 years and was formerly of Norton for most of his life.
In addition to his beloved wife of over 24 years he is survived by his devoted children; Marie E. Handren and her husband Warren of Johnston, Rhode island, Michele C. Bernier and her husband Stephen Clapp of Mattapoisett, Martin D. Bernier and his wife Elizabeth of East Taunton and the late Mark G. Bernier who passed away in 1999. Also surviving are his 8 cherished grandchildren.
His funeral, to which relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend, will be held on Saturday June 2nd at 9:00 A.M. from the Norton Memorial Funeral Home 19 Clapp St.(Off Route 140, Taunton Ave.) Norton followed by a Mass of Christian burial celebrated at 10:00 A.M. in St. Mary’s Church, South Worcester St., Norton. Burial with military honors will follow in the Timothy Plain Cemetery, Norton.
Visiting hours will be held on Friday June 1st from 5-7 P.M. at the funeral home.
For additional information please visit www.nortonmemorial.com