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Leo Bernier Obituary
Following his service to our country he met and married his loving wife of nearly 70 years, Stella (Smith) Bernier. He attended New England Institute of Anatomy, Embalming and Funeral Directing in Kenmore Square in Boston before working as an apprentice funeral director for the Hebert Funeral Home in Somersworth. In 1957 Leo and Stella purchased the funeral home and renamed it Bernier Funeral Home, which still operates today as the City of Somersworth's oldest business in its original location. He continued to be a trusted presence at the funeral home well into his eighties. They made their home there and raised a family for 35 years.
Active in his community Leo served on the Somersworth School board, the board of Frisbee Hospital, a member of Rotary International, the board of trustees of South East Bank and at his church St. Martin Catholic Church in Somersworth, he was active as a Knight of Columbus, Mt. Calvarie Cemetery Trustee and many other activities.
He is survived by his wife Stella; daughter Anne Bernier; son Thomas Bernier; granddaughters Erin and Kathleen; sisters Anita Caron and Beatrice Vezina; a god son Ronald Mountain; and several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his three sisters Rita Thornton, Claire Roy and Madeline Michel and two brothers Armand and Paul Bernier.
SERVICES: Due to the current pandemic, services will be private and burial will be in Mt. Calvarie Cemetery. Online condolences may be left for his family by visiting www.bernierfuneralhome.net. Care for the Bernier family has been entrusted to the Bernier Funeral Home.
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Marc R Dion Sr
January 12, 2021
My condolences to Leo's family, a number of whom I met on a trip to Seattle, Alaska and California.
Leo and my Dad, Emile Dion had many occasions to work together when I was growing up @ Dion's Funeral Home.
Leo was a kind and gentle person!
Janice DesMarais Fallon
January 11, 2021
Stella, Anne and Tommy so sorry to hear of the loss of Leo. He was a great man always enjoyed spending time at your home in Somersworth and the camp. Hope your memories of him will put a smile on your face. You are all in my prayers.
Bill Ross
January 10, 2021
Dear Anne and Family,
So sorry to hear of the loss of your dad. My thoughts and prayers go out to you .
Bill Ross
Bob Duffy
January 10, 2021
To the Bernier family my condolences to you all, when I was in grade school I had a summer job at the cemetery with my uncle and cousins we would often see Leo we would chat and He would always have some funny stories to tell may He rest in eternal peace
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Mary Dunlap
January 9, 2021
I meet Leo in March of 1968 one of the saddest days of my life. He was a very gentle , compassionate and caring man. He tried too make things easier for everyone in our saddest of time. He never forgot your name as I would see him thru the years around town he would always greet me. With Hi Mary how are you doing. Always amazed me that he could remember everyone’s names even thru the years. May you all find comfort in all your wonderful memories of the amazing times with Leo.
Vivianne and Mike Derosier
January 8, 2021
Please accept our sincere condolences on Leo's passing. He was a fine gentleman and definitely an asset to our community. Always enjoyed talking to him whether it be downtown or at the funeral home.Keep Leo's memory alive in your hearts.
Robert Camire
January 8, 2021
I met Leo in 1958 after a span of three months during which my father and grandfather passed. I was 11 years old. What I remember about Leo was the compassion he showed to me and my family at the time. Thank you Leo. RIP
Bonnie Kenaley
January 8, 2021
Stella, Anne, and Tommy, I am so sorry to hear about Leo’s passing. I will always remember him fondly for his gregarious personality and loving demeanor! With heartfelt condolences, Bonnie
Gary Stephen DesRosiers
January 8, 2021
Stella and Family,
Please accept our deepest sympathies. Leo has been a true Friend of our Family as far back as I can remember, and we all held him in high esteem. I also remember the fun times we had at FCC. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.......
Gary DesRosiers/Joan DesRosiers
Timothy Constantine
January 7, 2021
Dear Anne and Family,
Very sorry for your loss. Blessings and Prayers, and wishes for peace and hope that you will feel better soon
Tim Constantine
Eileen Shevelin
January 7, 2021
Leo was one of the most incredible people I have ever known. Not only was he highly respected because of his complete dedication to families and friends who honored their loved ones at the Bernier Funeral Home, but also because he was a caring, humorous and down-to-earth man who added another layer of Life to all who knew him. My memories will live on forever. Sending love and condolences to his family. Eileen Shevelin
Janet Culley
January 6, 2021
He was a spitfire of a man my Uncle Leo....I have cherished memories of my childhood in the Bernier Funeral Home where my Aunt Stella, Anne, and Tommy resided...memories of camp too...I spent many summers in new Hampshire surrounded with love and laughter....my heartfelt condolences to the family.
John Meserve
January 6, 2021
Sad to learn of Leo's passing.; heartfelt condolences Stella, Anne and Tom. I was privileged to count him as a friend for more than 50 years. I will always remember that smile and wit as well as his consummate professionalism which taught me so much about the funeral business. May the memories of a life well-lived sustain you in the days and weeks ahead and keep him in your hearts forever.
Erik Deweever
January 6, 2021
Sorry for your loss Tom
Val & Elaine Deschenes
January 6, 2021
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Stella during this difficult time.
Leo was a wonderful and kind man with always a smile in his face.
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49 South Street, Somersworth, NH 03878
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