Harry Joseph Bernard Jr. Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Harry (Joe) Joseph Bernard Jr of Oxford, Maine April 2, 2020, on this day Joe succumbed to his tortuously long struggle with chronic health deterioration. Born on November 19, 1944 to Harry J Bernard and Annie Louise Brown in Waterville, Maine. In 1951 the family moved to Falmouth where Joe graduated from Falmouth High School in 1964. While in high school Joe excelled in Baseball and was a star center fielder following in the footsteps of his all-star catcher brother Bobby. Joe loved to work and kept busy. In his youth he always had a job. He was a carpenter, roofer and a volunteer firefighter for the town of Falmouth. Joe also took pride in his ability to operate large trucks and heavy equipment. His commercial driving career started with Merrill Transport Company hauling petroleum products though out northern New England while still in high school. Upon his high school graduation in 1964, Joe, with his childhood pal, Russ Thoits, joined the Marine Corp Reserves .From 1964 to 1970 Joe was a member of the combat engineers where he honed his skills on covert missions building airstrips and base camps during the Vietnam War era throughout the Philippines and Puerto Rico. Joe loved being a Marine and lived his entire life with the dedication, hard work, commitment and discipline instilled in him through his enlistment. On September 4th, 1965 Joe married Glenda Littlefield of Portland, Maine. In 1968 they moved to Cumberland where they raised two sons, Robert Edward and Cony James. Joe and Glenda were high school sweethearts who met roller skating, introduced by Glenda’s skating coach, George William Bernard, Joe’s eldest brother. Joe and Glenda were lifelong companions and soul mates for over 50 years until Glenda’s passing in August of 2019. Joe had a tremendous sense of community service and a “can do” spirit. Joe was active in the Boy Scouts of America. He was a troop leader and as the Commander of his local American Legion he sponsored many scouting activities and projects for America’s young men. Joe was an outstanding member of his Catholic faith. He was in constant service to his church and those in need. Joe’s occupation as a crane operator for Cianbro Construction for over 30 years allowed him to work on many vast construction projects. Many of these projects throughout the State of Maine and the entire eastern American seaboard. He would have countless proud stories of “this bridge, that road or hydroelectric dam”. He always spoke fondly and colorfully candid about his co-workers. He was always proud of their incredible accomplishments through teamwork. Joe concluded his career with Sprague Energy working the imports and exports of worldwide commerce on Portland’s waterfront. Away from work Joe loved to fish and hunt. He was never happier than with a fly rod in his hand accompanied by his family and his dogs deep in the woods of “God’s country “. Joe also enjoyed auto racing and he followed NASCAR. Joe was a spectator and participant at Beech Ridge Speedway for over 50 years and would “race chase” northern New England and the Maritimes. Those who knew Joe knew of his wit, practical jokes, fiery personality and ever willingness to help others. He will be sorely missed. Predeceasing Joe are his parents Harry and Louise Bernard, two brothers George William and Robert Edward Bernard, and his wife Glenda Mabel Bernard. Joe is survived by two sons, Robert Edward and his partner Tracy McMahon of Scarborough, Cony James of Tracy, California, granddaughters Haley Bernard Davies and Nathan Davies and soon to be great grandson Colton Bernard Davies, and Maddison Bernard of San Diego, California, two sisters Mary Louise and husband Harland Weeks of Waterville, and Elizabeth Ann Jensen of Mechanic Falls. “Uncle Joe” also is survived by 7 nieces and nephews and 8 great nieces and nephews that he adored as his own children and some he loved liked siblings. The family would like to extend great gratitude and humble appreciation to the staff at Rumford Community Home, Androscoggin Hospice, and Central Maine Medical Center for their dutiful and loving care of Joe

Harry Joseph Bernard Jr.

November 19, 1944 - April 2, 2020

Obituary & Service

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Harry Joseph Bernard Jr.

November 19, 1944 - April 2, 2020

Obituary & Service

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