Bernard W. "Bernie" Donnis

1923 - 2014

Family Man/Lumberman
Bernard W. Donnis, age 90, of 14 Elm St., Hatfield, MA, died April 25th at home, surrounded by his loving family.
Born July 30, 1923 in Hatfield, he was the son of the late Alexander and Josephine (Beckert) Donnis.
He grew up in Hatfield where he attended local schools and was a graduate of Smith Academy. He completed courses in Sales and Product Knowledge and Kiln Drying Wood at the University of Massachusetts, sponsored by the Northeast Lumberman's Assn.
He was a member of the Northeast Lumberman's Assn. and was the last remaining chartered member of the Hatfield Lions Club. He was past president of the former Donnis Lumber Co., Inc., and a member of the former First Baptist Church of Northampton.
He worked for many years in Sales and Purchasing at O'Connor Lumber Co., Inc. in Westfield. He also worked at Northampton Lumber Co. and Cowles Building Supply Co. in Amherst, retiring in 1985.
Bernie was a devoted husband of 65 years, who always looked at his wife as though she was the young girl he first married. He was a loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather, who remained a boy at heart.
He leaves his wife, Irma (Williams) Donnis. He leaves three sons and a daughter, William M. and wife Nancy of Alexandria, VA, David J. of Westhampton, Paul A. and wife Anne of Hatfield, Joan E. Mullins and husband Gary of Turners Falls.
He also leaves grandchildren, Michael Patrick and wife Sarah, Kristin (Mullins) Roach and husband Craig, Michael Warren, Eric, Melissa Stevens and husband Dave, Jeffrey and Carly Donnis. Great-grandchildren include Aidan and Hannah Mullins, Mason and Conner Donnis, Olivia and Alana Donnis, Maeve and Finn Stevens and Bodhi Roach. He also leaves several nieces and nephews.
Bernard was the youngest of his family, who was preceded in death by five brothers and seven sisters.
Calling hours will be 7 to 9 p.m., Thurs., May 1st, held at Pease & Gay Funeral Home, 425 Prospect St., Northampton. A funeral service for the family will be held the following day at Pease & Gay Funeral Home with burial services following at Main Street Cemetery, Hatfield.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Bernie's memory may be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude's Place, Memphis, TN 38105.