William F. Bernhard

1924 - 2018

William Francis Bernhard was born in Brooklyn, New York in 1924, son of William Bernhard (Whitestone, L.I. New York) and Helen Bernhard (Conroy). Bill graduated from Williams College in an accelerated three-year program as WWII got underway and served in the US Navy in the Pacific from 1944-1946. After the war, Bill graduated from Syracuse University Medical School and married his beloved wife June Horne, a nurse, in 1948. Together, they raised 10 children. Bill completed several thoracic and cardiovascular surgical residencies before settling at Boston Childrens Hospital for most of his professional surgical work. Bill was a cardiovascular surgical pioneer who pursued pediatric cardiovascular surgery and research on new surgical techniques and devices. He published hundreds of papers to define the cardiovascular problems of infants and their novel solutions. He introduced procedures using hyperbaric oxygenation, and developed a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) that led to the Heartmate artificial heart. Throughout his life, Bill maintained passion for sailing, jazz and classical music, cats, sports cars, and spending time with family. Dr. Bernhard died peacefully at home on Monday, October 29, 2018 after a brave battle with cancer. We will remember his brilliant mind, wry sense of humor, and his willingness to do all he could for his family. He is survived by his wife of 70 years, June L. Bernhard, nine of his ten children, fifteen grandchildren and one great grandchild. He was predeceased by his daughter Margaret. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend a funeral Mass on Friday, November 2, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Bridgets Catholic Church, 830 Worcester Road, Framingham Ctr. Burial will follow in Edgell Grove Cemetery, Framingham. In keeping with his wishes, there will be no funeral home visiting hours. Arrangements are entrusted to the Norton Funeral Home, Framingham. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Little Sisters of the Poor: 186 Highland Ave., Somerville MA 02143. To leave a message of condolence, please visit www. nortonfuneralhome.com