Henry A. Bernazani

Henry A. Bernazani
Chelmsford High School & Pop Warner Football coach and mentor, Navy Vet; 86

CHELMSFORD -- Henry A. Bernazani, a longtime resident of Chelmsford, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 6th in Londonderry, NH. He was 86 years old. He was the beloved husband of the late Patricia A. (Coleman) Bernazani to whom he was married for 53 years at the time of her passing in 2012,

Henry was born in Brighton, son of the late Henry and Lillian (Marchi) Bernazani. He was raised in Revere and was a graduate of Revere High School. Following his education, Henry enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served proudly during the Korean War, piloting the admiral's launch from ship to shore. Henry was also involved with operations above the Arctic Circle for which he received the National Defense Service Medal. Upon returning home, he married his beloved Patricia in 1959. They settled for a time in Winthrop and Saugus before moving to Chelmsford where they would raise their family.

Henry's love for the sea began when he was a child; he built his first boat as a teen, and enjoyed fishing with his family and friends throughout his life. Henry and Patricia spent most of their retirement years at their home in the Florida Keys.

Henry worked for many years as a mechanical engineer, first with Smithcraft as a tool and die designer and later he operated his own business, Nashua Fabrication which proudly continues operation today. When Henry was not working he readily assumed his role as coach. While he earned a great number achievements on the football field, coaching Pop Warner and Chelmsford High School Football, his achievements off the field were equally impressive. Henry was a coach and mentor in every sense. He made certain to always provide positive encouragement both on and off the field. In his later years, Henry took up the sport of running. At the age of 56, Henry began running 5ks and throughout his later years participated in and won a variety of races. He proudly ran the 7 Mile Bridge Run for ten years. Henry was also a member of the Southern Most Runner's Club as well as the 65 Plus New England Runner's Club.

Sadly, Henry was predeceased by his wife of 53 years, Patricia (Coleman) Bernazani, as well as his siblings, Edward, Mitzi, and Ann.

Henry is survived by his children, Susan Bisson of Nashua, Michael Bernazani and his wife, Pamela of Chelmsford, Jane Noyes and her husband, Thomas of Chelmsford, John Bernazani of Lowell, and Marianne Isabelle and her husband, Don of Nashua. He was the proud grandfather of Jenifer Schena, Faith Bisson, Jessica and Michael Noyes, Anthony & Julianne Bernazani, and Tyler and Zachary Isabelle; as well as four great-grandchildren; Cameron, Sebastian, Isabelle, and Jake. He was the brother of Larry Bernazani of Malden and Carol Bruno of Woburn. Henry also leaves many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

BERNAZANI -- Relatives and friends are invited to Visiting Hours on Thurs. from 4:00-8:00 pm in the BLAKE FUNERAL HOME, 24 Worthen St., CHELMSFORD. His funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday at 11:00 am at St. Mary Church, 25 North Rd., Chelmsford. PLEASE MEET AT CHURCH. Interment will follow in Pine Ridge Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Henry's memory may be made to either, Special Olympics, 1133 19th St. NW, Washington DC, 20036. or Chelmsford High School Football, 200 Richardson Rd., Chelmsford, MA 01863. Funeral Director, Paul A. Hardy, Jr. For online condolences, visit CHELMSFORDFUNERALHOME.COM and visit us on Facebook.