Michael H. Berounsky Sr.

Newington, NH – Michael H. Berounsky, Sr., 79, passed peacefully October 3, 2025, at his home, surrounded by his family, in front of the most beautiful sunset – just as he wanted. (Words written by daughter Kathryn.)
Michael was born in Brockton, Massachusetts, on September 18, 1946, to Katherine McCarthy and Nicholas Efstathiou. He was later adopted and raised by Henry and Sophie Berounsky, whom he proudly called his parents. He was raised in Portsmouth, alongside his sisters, Veronica and Nancy. Several years ago, Mike learned he had a brother, Paul, whom he developed a nice relationship with.
He met the love of his life, Robin, 61 years ago this October. Married March 4, 1967, they worked hard together – working multiple jobs and making sacrifices to build the beautiful life they shared. They've been constants in each other's lives from day one. Through thick and thin, in sickness and in health, when they took those vows 58 years ago, they meant them. A true testament to love and commitment – not only as husband and wife, but best friends and confidants.
Most people knew our dad as "The owner of Ben's Auto Body" (est. 1932). He was the third-generation owner, working alongside his parents until he took ownership in 1994. Then working alongside his boys Mike Jr. and Jason, of whom he was incredibly proud. He retired in 2014, handing over the reins to his sons, but was never too far from the shop – keeping an eye on things and having lunch with the guys. He took pride in everything he did, saying, "If you're going to do something, do it right," and that's how he ran Ben's – with integrity and passion for doing the job right and upholding Ben's commitment to excellence. He was so proud of his boys when they took over; he knew it wasn't easy, but he knew they could do it.
Known to many as "Nice Mike," he was witty and pragmatic. As his granddaughter Tayler said, "He was a no-bullshit kind of man. Straight-talker, hard worker. Tough as they come, but he also had a huge heart." He made a lot of sacrifices to ensure his family had what they needed to have a nice life, while also remaining humble, to that we are forever grateful. Dad never forgot a birthday, anniversary, or a special day. He would go out of his way to make someone else feel loved. He was always there to lend a helping hand to someone that was down on their luck; he did it quietly and didn't want any recognition. He gave a lot through the years to different charities and local agencies anonymously. We are starting to learn just how much he did for people that we didn't know about, to which we say, "Yep, that sounds like our dad!"
Mike was a proud supporter of our military. He was very patriotic and staunch in his beliefs. He loved cars, often attending local car shows through the years with his 1962 Corvette he restored and, most recently, a 1967 Chevy El Camino that was his 70th birthday gift from his family!
Mike was an avid shooter and supporter of all shooting sports and outdoorsmen. He successfully competed in skeet, trap, sporting clays, and FITASC; was a competitive bullseye league shooter, and loved precision rifle shooting.
After retiring from competitive shooting, Mike enjoyed the camaraderie of like-minded shooters at the rifle range at South Berwick Rod & Gun Club.
Mike's love of the sport was exemplified by his generosity to any and all youth activities at all the shooting venues within New Hampshire and Maine.
He was always willing to help and support the membership of HR&G (lifetime member) and SBR&G clubs and did so offering his time and knowledge, as well as financial support.
Dad loved baseball. He played as a kid on local teams; he was a catcher. Mike Berounsky was an Orioles fan and proud of it! Cal Ripken Jr. was his favorite because of his perseverance and dedication to the game. He enjoyed youth baseball and supporting local teams. Baseball and football were a common thread between he and his boys. I know they have fond memories of watching and attending games with him.
"Quite simply, there aren't enough words to describe my dad. We had such a special bond. He showed me what unconditional love is. I hold so many wonderful memories, big and small. He always let me be a part of his world, no matter what. Car shows, shooting, fixing things, gardening, etc. He never put limits on what I could do. He instilled in me to work hard, but remember to 'stop and smell the roses.' My dad helped me start my own business, a long-time dream of mine. One of my fondest memories was him coming in to see me and Tulip (his grand dog) during a workday – that was my favorite. I know he was proud of me, but the thing is, I was more proud to see him and introduce him to my clients, as they knew how special he is to me. I was so proud to call him Dad."
As one of Mike's long-time friends Ripley said best when hearing of our fathers passing, "That will be a pair of shoes that will never be filled." He was the most special person to us all in different ways. He was humble and funny, generous and thoughtful. He made the best pancakes and his famous hot mustard. He was a loyal and loving husband to his wife Robin. He was an incredibly loyal friend and cherished all the fun times he had with them through the years, the stories we heard were just a fraction of them I'm sure. He was the best grandfather and great-grandfather we could have asked for. The grandkids lit up his face; he was so proud of them and the families they have created and all their accomplishments. The great-grandkids really got to my dad's soft spot; he loved watching them play and hearing them learn new words and reach new milestones. We are blessed to have so many great memories. We ask all who knew him to help keep his memory alive – keep sharing the stories and laughs you have of our dad.
Michael was preceded by his parents, Sophie and Henry Berounsky and Brother in law John Anderson. Survived by his loving wife Roberta; son Michael Jr. & wife Brenda of Rollinsford; son Jason & girlfriend Lisa of Stratham; daughter Kathryn & husband Josh of Rye. Grandchildren: Matthew, Kayleigh & husband Nick, Tayler & fiancé Chris, Paige & fiancé Leon. Great-grandchildren: Leland, Granger, Emma, CJ, Maverick, Kennedy, Benjamin, and many grand-dogs past and present, whom our dad loved dearly and kept in treats. Sisters Nancy Anderson of Portsmouth, Veronica & husband Dick Lee of Narragansett RL and brother Paul Efstathiou of Windsor Vermont. Goddaughters Amy Kovacs, Jessica Mayer and Elizabeth Lee. Godson Benjamin Lee and lots of nieces, nephews, and cousins. He will be sorely missed but never forgotten.
I want to thank all the wonderful people who we met along the way during my fathers short, but heroic fight against a terminal diagnosis he received in late July. To the Dr.'s, nurses, caregivers that made a difference, you know who you are and our family won't forget your grace and guidance through a very hard situation. To the friends and family who called, came by, and asked what they could do when nothing could be done, we love you and thank you for loving our dad too. I said this to my Dad often that "if we could keep you alive on love alone, you would never go". Ive never been more proud to be a Berounsky, we love you dad, you truly lived your life your way and we are so proud to have been a part of it!
Services: A wake will be held Sunday, October 12th, from 1–4pm at J. Verne Wood Funeral Home – Buckminster Chapel, 84 Broad Street, Portsmouth, NH. A private funeral will be held for family at a later date. In lieu of flowers, a contribution can be made in Michael's name to any of the following : Live and Let Live Animal Rescue, https://www.liveandletlivefarm.org/donate, The Home For Little Wanderers, https://www.thehome.org/, or Easterseals NH Military & Veterans Campus, https://militaryveteranscampusnh.org/donate/. For online condolences, visit: www.jvwoodfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the direction and care of the J. Verne Wood Funeral Home – Buckminster Chapel.