Charles A. Bernard

Charles A. Bernard, the beloved husband of Diana E. (Torrielli) Bernard passed away on Saturday, October 29, 2016, with his treasured family by his side. He was 79.

Charlie was born in Dracut on April 18, 1937, a son of the late Benjamin and Lucie (Gendreau) Bernard.

He attended the former Lowell Technical School and enlisted in the US Air Force, serving in the Korean War.

Charlie retired as the VP of Sales for Miller Engineering following 20+ years of service. He was also involved in the Pelham Board of Adjustment for many years.

An avid outdoorsman perhaps it's appropriate that he leave the world in the most colorful season of all and when hunting season begins for many a hunter. Charlie was passionate about hunting, fishing, and snowmobiling with his buddies and his son. These trips took him to his son David's in Cornville, ME, to points north, across the country and Canada. Charlie also enjoyed riding his Jetski in the early morning calm waters on Lake Winnipesaukee.

Charlie was a character, one of a kind, and was known to have an opinion or two. His family says he would often speak without a filter. Those comments were sometimes followed with the word "CHARLES", by Diana. A funny man, Charlie loved telling a good joke and enjoyed striking up conversations about his favorite Boston sports teams. He loved a good meal and would ask daily "What's for dinner?" in years past he would be at the grill with spatula in hand but most evenings Diana's delicious cooking was the remedy.

Most of all for Charlie, it was about his family. Charlie was a source of encouragement for his children and grandchildren and he was always there for them. His bond with his grandchildren was a strong one; they meant the world to him. He seldom missed any of their events. He enjoyed spending time with them and strived to give them the best opportunities in life.

Surviving him in addition to his wife of 56 years are his three children and their spouses, David and Janet Bernard of ME, Suzanne Dumas of Pelham NH, Christina and Gary Iosua of Billerica; two grandchildren, Dominic and Kaitlyn Dumas; his twin sister, Charlene Gertz of Dracut; his brother and sister in law, Benjamin and Pat Bernard of Dracut; his brother in law Edward Gertz of MD; his aunt Pat Varnerin of Billerica; and several nieces and nephews. He was the father in law of the late Mark Dumas, and cousin and lifelong friend of the late Jack Gendreau, whom he enjoyed years of fishing adventures with. The word 'adventure' is not often linked with fishing but whenever Charlie and Jack got together; an adventure ensued.