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Bernard Pelis Obituary
Hatfield, MA - Bernard G. Pelis, 79, passed away on October 4, 2023 at Hartford Hospital. Known as Bernie or Cinchie, he was a lifelong resident of Hatfield. Bernie graduated from Smith Academy in 1961. He was proud to have been a member of the 1960 and 1961 championship basketball teams. Bernie was married for 52 years to his high school sweetheart Cessie (Cybulski) Pelis who predeceased him in 2018.
After his service in the U.S. Army, Bernie worked for Warner Bros. for over 40 years, retiring in 2007. For decades, Cinchie played pitch in the league at the Hatfield Legion. Hunting, growing vegetables, and watching sports, especially his grandson's baseball games were some of his favorite activities.
Bernie is survived by his daughters Nancy Pelis and Joyce (Michael) Arel, and his grandson, Bryan Arel. He leaves his brother Wayne (Betsy) Pelis, sister Martha (Greg) Schurch, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Cinchie took great joy in sharing his skill and love for fishing with Bryan. Donations in his memory may be made to Hatfield Fish and Game Club, P.O. Box 128 Hatfield, MA 01038. Funeral services are private according to Bernie's wishes.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Bernard Pelis
2 Entries
Shirley Widelo Kimball
October 10, 2023
Growing up across the street from one another, Bernie was a childhood pal. A bunch of us left in the morning and came back for the supper hour. Growing up In Hatfield had many advantages as you had friends for life. Rest in peace Bernie as you are now allowed to join your sweetheart. Together at last. No tears, only joy.
Marty Wilkes
October 10, 2023
This message is to Bernie´s immediate family and to his extended family and friends. I knew Bernie through most of the Hatfield school system right through the middle school and then Smith Academy. It was at Smith Academy where we were teammates on the basketball teams that won the Western Mass. Championships of 1960/61. No high school team had ever won this tournament back to back in the history of the competition. This was quite a feat when one considers SA had a total enrolment of 53 boys in the whole high school....the smallest public school in the state of Massachusetts! To just be on the team one had to be a fighter and Bernie had this quality in spades! During practices (which were numerous and very tough) Bernie proved to all team members he wasn´t going away. I think that´s why we admired his courage and fortitude. At the Zoom meeting I learned Bernie had served his country, and really that didn´t surprise me because he was a person who believed in causes, and what better than to be in uniform? To his family, please accept my deepest condolences....Bernie was also a soldier on the basketball court. Marty Wilkes, Melbourne, AUSTRALIA.
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Funeral services provided by:
Ahearn Funeral Home - Northampton783 Bridge Road, Northampton, MA 01060
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