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Thomas G. Bernard, 86
July 25, 2021
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. —
Thomas George Bernard, 86, of North Adams, MA, died at Berkshire Medical Center Sunday, July 25, 2021.Tom was born in North Adams on April 1, 1935, son of the late George and Mary (Blasi) Bernard. He graduated from Drury High School and earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from North Adams State Teachers’ College/North Adams State College. Tom served in the United States Army from 1957-1959 and was stationed in Korea. He taught in the North Adams Public Schools from 1959-1993 at Houghton Elementary School, Freeman Junior High School, Conte Middle School, retiring as a social studies teacher from Drury High School. During his career he served as a member of the steering committee that established the North Adams Middle School and was a faculty representative and executive committee member with the North Adams Teachers’ Association. After retiring from the school district Tom worked at Spiroll International in North Adams, and later volunteered in the City of North Adams Veterans’ Services Office.Tom had a love for and a mastery of the details of American history and literature and was a natural storyteller who delighted in sharing his knowledge, his enthusiasm, and his sense of humor with his students, friends, and family. He loved model trains, the Boston Celtics, and the ocean, and was devoted to his family, especially as “Papa” to his grandchildren.
Tom is survived by Jane (Paciorek), his wife of 45 years; by his children Gregor (Jayne Johnston) of Milford, NH; Gretchen Jennings (Michael; grandchildren Christopher and Joy) of Northampton, MA; Kristen (Dean; grandchildren Marley and Astha); Thomas (Jennifer; granddaughter Alexandra) of North Adams, MA; and Catherine Forrestall (Matthew; granddaughter Beatrice [BB)) of Stow, MA; by former wife Susannah Wilbur of Northampton, MA; and by his brother Richard (Antoinette; children Richard and Carla) of Norwalk, CT.
FUNERAL NOTICE: A Celebration of Life for Thomas G. Bernard will be held on Saturday, July 31, at 10:00 AM at Paciorek Funeral Home, 13 Hoosac St. Adams. Burial will follow in Southview Cemetery. Calling hours will be on Friday, from 5:00-7:00 PM at the Paciorek Funeral Home. At the request of the family, masks will be strictly enforced. In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial donations be made to the AYJ Fund (ayjfund.org) To leave a message of condolence, or for directions, please go online to www.paciorekfuneral.com
Jane, I am so sorry to hear of your husband’s passing. My deepest condolences. | from: Elizabeth Ralston | on: 08-04-2021 |
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Jane, Kathy and I were saddened to learn of Tom's passing. Deepest condolences. | from: Steve Dallmeyer | on: 08-02-2021 |
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Sending our heartfelt condolences and prayers to the Bernard family. Remembering Mr. Bernard fondly! | from: Pat and Heather Boulger | on: 08-01-2021 |
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Thank you for your service! Sympathies and prayers to your family and loved ones! Korea was one tough war! They all are! Rest In Peace soldier. | from: Patrick and Connie Gray | on: 07-31-2021 |
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Thank you for your dedication in teaching. Condolences to family. | from: Len giroux | on: 07-30-2021 |
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My heartfelt sympathies to the Bernard family and to you Jane. So sorry for your loss. | from: Cheryl Boillat | on: 07-30-2021 |
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Mr. B was one of my favorite teachers during my years at Freeman Jr High. He instilled a love of history, especially the Civil War, that I still cherish to this day. They don't make many teachers like him today....he will be missed.
My condolences to his family. | from: Keith Starr | on: 07-30-2021 |
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Mrs. Bernard, I am so sorry for your loss. I remember Mr. Bernard as my middle school history teacher and I have only good memories. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
| from: Jill Morin Pompi | on: 07-29-2021 |
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I remember Mr Bernard from freeman Jr high. He was always available for any student that needed help. He was a very nice man. My heart and prayers go out to the Bernard family. | from: Mathew Cantoni | on: 07-29-2021 |
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I'm so sorry to hear of Mr. Bernard's passing. I haven't seen him since Jr. high school at Freeman. The warmth and charm he brought to the classroom as well as his positive attitude and the love of learning he instilled in his students has stayed with me to this day. | from: Ann Leonesio | on: 07-29-2021 |
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Our hearts are heavy with sadness for Tom’s family. Such an unbearable loss. | from: Jan and Joe Rogge | on: 07-29-2021 |
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Oh, Jane. This makes me so sad. Tom was one of the good guys. Please know that you and your family are in my prayers.
Maria | from: Maria Gamari | on: 07-29-2021 |
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My dear Jane, my heart goes out to you at this sad time. I know it's been a hard journey, but you will have all the sweet memories of your life with Tom.
| from: angela rifkin | on: 07-29-2021 |
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Jane and family, I am so sorry for the loss of your husband Tom. I did not know him all that well but he was always very kind and very sweet. Blessings to you and your family at this difficult time | from: Pam Sisto | on: 07-29-2021 |
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I remember the fun Mr. Bernard gave us teaching math at Houghton School and drawing cowboys and bad guys as our teaching props! He will be remembered as one of my fav,, teachers. | from: Nancy | on: 07-28-2021 |
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Jane and famiy, We are praying for the Bernard family.May God comfort you during this time. | from: Lou and Sue Chalifoux | on: 07-28-2021 |
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Jane,Tom and family ,sorry for your loss. I taught with Tom for years. He was a good teacher as well as a gentleman and good guy. R.I.P. | from: Don Pecor | on: 07-28-2021 |
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Dear Jane & family, Please accept my sincerest condolences on your loss of Tom. You are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. | from: Judy Nimmons | on: 07-28-2021 |
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So sorry to hear, Jane (and kids). Such a good man. RIP Tom... | from: Skeets Richards | on: 07-28-2021 |
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Please accept my sincere and Heartfelt Condolences. | from: JOHN PAUL GIFFORD | on: 07-28-2021 |
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Tom,Jen, Jane ,Alex and Family. I want to let you know how very sorry and surprised I was to read in todays Eagle of your lose . You are in my thoughts and prayers . Again, I am so very sorry for your lose . I am sure he was a very special man and will be missed greatly . | from: Robert H. Allard | on: 07-28-2021 |
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