Search by Name
Search by Name
Bernard F. Baran, Jr.
1965 - 2014 PITTSFIELD Bernard F. Baran, Jr., 49, passed away unexpectedly at his home in Fitchburg on Monday, Sept. 1, 2014. He was born on May 26, 1965 in Pittsfield, lovingly referred to as Bertha Shaw's beautiful, bouncing, baby boy. Bernie was a loving, high energy child who grew into an ambitious teenager with dreams and goals. He was educated in Pittsfield Schools but became bored with the public school curriculum and decided to find a job instead, Bernie figured if he could make money and gain career experience he was one step ahead of the game. At that time Bernie was living with and helping his sister, a single mother of three, care for her young children whom absolutely loved and adored him so it seemed like a natural fit to enter the childcare field. That summer he took a job with ECDC and his life would never be the same. After being falsely accused of horrible crimes, persecuted in the media and given a grossly unfair trial that violated his civil rights, he was found guilty and given three consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole. While incarcerated he earned his GED and took college courses until the state stopped funding the program. After surviving 21 years of his life in prison under conditions most of us could not fathom in our worst nightmares, yet alone endure, Bernard Baran, with the support of the National Center for Reason and Justice, fought his way out through the legal system and was finally released in 2006. Although his first year and a half of freedom was closely monitored, he made the best out of it and his brazen and ambitious personality began to shine through. His first job was with Yew & I landscaping in Boston, where he excelled at making the world more beautiful, one garden at a time. He began shaping his future with hard work & determination and even when he fell sick in 2009 with illness, his fighting spirit emerged and it was obvious that nothing, including illness was going to deter him from reaching his goals. Bernie's entrepreneurial spirit led him to become a student of the real estate market and at the time of his death, he was in the process of starting his own property management company. Although he only had eight adult years out of prison, he accomplished more than most people do with more time. Through all he endured, Bernard Baran remained a courageous, intelligent, funny, loving, curious, quick-witted, giving, nurturing, and intuitive human being who's loss will be felt by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. Bernard is survived by: his mother, Bertha Shaw of Pittsfield, his late stepfather, Stanley Sumner who passed away unexpectedly just 18 days after Bernie, his partner, Dave Colarusso of Fitchburg, a sister, Sharon DeBonis of Pittsfield, two brothers; Santo Baran and his wife, Diane of Pittsfield and Clint Sumner of Pittsfield. Also survived by several nieces and nephews; Crystal (Diefendorf) Squires, Kandace Bailot-Diefendorf and her wife Jackie, Peter DeBonis, Nicole (Baran) Coviello and her husband Mark, Jennifer Baran, Brittany Baran, Haily Sumner, Savannah Sumner and his adoring cat, J.J. Also many loyal supporters and friends. FUNERAL SERVICE: A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Oct. 11, 2014 at 3 p.m. with the Rev. Jason Lydon officiating at the Westin Copley Place, 10 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02116. If you wish to honor his memory by supporting reason and justice, please make a donation to the NCRJ, PO Box 191101, Roxbury, MA 02119, you can also donate online at NCRJ.org. If you would like to leave a message of condolence or share pictures or stories with his family please visit our website at www.kellyfuneralhome.net
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
The Shelton Family
September 1, 2022
I corresponded with Bee during his incarceration and am floored to learn of his passing. He was the one of the kindest people i have ever met. I hope this message reaches his family to let them know that many people connected with him during the worst time in his life and were touched by him.
Frank Edwards
Friend
December 18, 2020
I offer my belated condolences to Bee's family for your loss.
I only learned of Bee's tragic death yesterday and my heart aches. He was such a sweet, beautiful person who deserved so much more time to enjoy his freedom and life.
Robert Cameron
March 22, 2015
It is the courage and the spirit of a story as this that keeps us all but to have no choice but to forge ahead, for truly this was a spirit who was above anything that could be described as just remotely human- a true miraculous angel of hope who garnished the earth for 49 years...
March 22, 2015
I have already sent a message. But I wanted to send another, just to say I have been thinking of all of you. I wish I was able to meet Bernie. I have been praying.
Alice Cahill
October 8, 2014
Bert, I am so sorry for your loss. May they rest in piece and may friends and family carry your heart through these sad times
Kandy Munson
October 4, 2014
Sending prayers to Bernie's Mom & family, sorry for your loss.
Debra Ann Carlson-Farrell
October 4, 2014
Sharon and family again sorry for his passing. I remember all you went through.
Diane Sweener
October 3, 2014
Your with our angles now.Forever in my heart.
Audrey Vickery/Shelton
October 2, 2014
My heart is with my second family <3 Uncle Bee, you will be truly missed and will live on in the hearts of everyone.
Ali Mitchell
October 1, 2014
Diane, Santo and Family,
I am profoundly sorry to learn of Bernard's death. Your love and suport over the years was wonderful. God(dess) Blesses him - may be Rest In Peace!
Joan Morrow
Joan Morrow
October 1, 2014
No words can describe how sorry I am that Bernie has passed. I remember him fondly. He was such an amazing person. I know I will miss him. Love you all. Thoughts and prayers are with you.
Becky Litchfield
October 1, 2014
My sincerest condolences for your loses this month. Clint you are in our thoughts
Billie Bardin
September 30, 2014
My deepest condolences to his friends and family. He was a gentle soul who was too good for this earth. May you find peace and solace in the memories of the time you had together.
Jen Gero
September 30, 2014
Bert, I am so sorry for your loss. Amy McNally
September 30, 2014
Now may you finally rest free in the arms of angels. You will be remembered for all the good that you have accomplished. Rest in peace.
Sandy Mcgovern
September 30, 2014
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
September 28, 2014
Santos and Diane
So sorry for your loss.. what a beautiful obituary .. my sympathies to you and your family ..
Debbie Thebeau
September 28, 2014
So sorry for your loss Bernie was a great guy.
Tanya Taylor Cimini
September 28, 2014
Sending love and prayers your way.
Bonnie Hoskeer Kirchner
September 28, 2014
Thinking of all of Bernie's family and loved ones. A good and gentle man. Pain will come and yet...he will not be forgotten over time. He will he remembered for the good man he was. May God be your comfort.
Alice Cahill
September 28, 2014
Kim Buckley
September 28, 2014
May he rest in peace.
Chris Thomson
September 28, 2014
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Paula Cowlin
September 28, 2014
we are very sorry for your loss.
joel and margaret lenski
September 28, 2014
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
September 28, 2014
Rest in peace my friend. And may you sit beside the King ànd finally be free from all the pain you suffered for so many years. You are not forgotten and your kindness will live forever. I send my love and Prayers to your wonderfull family and may you rest in piece. God Bless You.
Darren Grandshaw
Darren Grandshaw
September 28, 2014
Sue Nolli
September 28, 2014
Showing 1 - 28 of 28 results
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more