Richard J. Bernard

Richard (Dick) Bernard, 71, of Westbrook passed away unexpectedly and peacefully with his loving family by his side on May 11, 2014 at the Maine Medical Center. He was born in Rumford, Maine on December 26, 1942 to the late Emma (Gaudet) and Joseph Bernard. Dick attended Assumption Prep School in Worcester, Massachusetts and graduated from Stephens High School in Rumford in 1962 and attended Bliss College in Lewiston, Maine. He married the love of his life Lisette (Dupuis) just short of forty nine years ago on July 3, 1965 and raised three children together. Dick worked as an Allstate Insurance agent for more than thirty years. The long list of awards and achievements over the years are a testament to his personal service to his many clients. He was dedicated to his work and provided a wonderful life for his family. He was an incredibly giving man, always willing to come to the aid of those in need. He and Lisette traveled extensively. They spent the summers on Sebago Lake camping with his family and his sister Jean and her husband Dick, and later escaped the cold Maine winters as snow birds in Florida. Dick loved to entertain at home, welcoming friends and family at every opportunity on the holidays and summer days. He was in his glory boiling lobsters and steamers for friends and family at his lakeside home on Long Lake in Naples, or making handmade pizza â€“ using an old family recipe handed down by his father and a tradition carried on by his son. He was an active communicant of the former St Edmunds Catholic Parish in Westbrook, serving as the president of the parish council for several years. He was very athletic and loved watching and playing sports particularly tennis, skiing and basketball. Sundays he could be found glued to the Patriots game, always calling his sister Claire to discuss the results immediately after or watching the Red Sox with his mother Emma. Dick is survived by his loving wife, Lisette Dupuis Bernard, and three children: Kevin Bernard of Westbrook; Kathy Bernard of Washington DC; and Kris Bernard and his long time partner Adam Day both of Washington, DC. He is also survived by two sisters: Claire Perry and her husband Donald V. Perry of Bethel; and Jean Doherty and her husband Richard Doherty of Rumford. He is also survived by two brothers-in-law, Jake Dupuis and his wife Joyce, and Andy Dupuis and his wife Jean, and a sister-in-law Nicky Harris and many nieces and nephews that he cherished. Visiting hours will be held on Sunday May 18, from 3 to 6 p.m at Blais and Hay Funeral Home. A Funeral Service will be held on Monday, May 19, at 11 a.m at St. Anneâ€™s Church, in Gorham. In lieu of flowers the Bernardâ€™s ask that donations be made in Richardâ€™s name to The Westbrook Community Food and Resource Center 426 Bridge St. Westbrook, Maine 04092. To express online condolences please go to www.blaisandhayfuneralhome.com.

Richard J. Bernard

December 26, 1942 - May 11, 2014

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