Joseph (“Joe”) Donald Bernard, age 90, formerly of Gardner, MA, passed away on Tuesday, August 3, 2021 in Austin, Texas.
After Joe graduated from Gardner High School in 1949, he enlisted in the Air Force, from which he received the Korean and United Nations Service medals. He is survived by his son, David Bernard and his wife, Teresa, and their two children, Josilyn and Tristan. Joe is also survived by Joan Breslow, his life partner for nearly 50 years and her children: Michael, Keith, and Ken. He is preceded in death by his wife, Dorina Alma Gallant, and his parents, Emile Bernard and Marie Suzanne Robichaud, and his siblings, Omer Bernard, Rita Seffinga, and Bertha Shultz.
Mr. Bernard was a lifelong carpenter. He was curious and enjoyed life through various interests: dancing, spending time speaking and reading French novels (his favorite was Les Misérables), engaging in playing the violin, drawing, learning American and world history, watching the news, watching classic movies (his favorite was The African Queen), learning sign language. He was not afraid of challenges.
Joe was a kind man who loved to tell stories. He will be most missed by his easy laughter—especially when he got ahead of himself while telling jokes.