Robert A. Bernier

It is with love and sadness that our family announces the passing of Robert A. Bernier on December 16, 2025.  Bob passed away peacefully at his home of more than 60 years in Three Rivers.

Bob was born in Worthington, Massachusetts, and was the son of Adelard Bernier (1964) and Alice (Kowalker) Bernier (1991).  He was raised in Worthington, Ashfield, and Bondsville and attended Palmer Schools.

Bob proudly served his country in the United States Navy and Reserves from 1955 to 1961, a service he always spoke of with pride.  He later retired from the Massachusetts Department of Public Works in Palmer.

An artistic soul, Bob enjoyed painting and working with leather, creating walking sticks, unique wallets and other handmade items.  His most popular creation was his well known lottery scratching device.  He also loved tending to his balcony garden during the summer months.

Bob cherished his family and was known for his playful teasing and good-natured humor.  He enjoyed sharing a Schlitz beer with friends and family and was a familiar face on casino trips and at AMVETS Post 74 in Three Rivers, where many knew him as "Mr. B".  Bob especially loved going to AMVETS on Wednesdays when his dear friend Jacqui would greet him with a hug.  She also helped him celebrate his 88th birthday with balloons, cupcakes, and her beautiful smile, alongside family members.

Our family is especially grateful to David and Carleen Coderre for their daily check-ins and for helping Bob with so many needs.  Bob also loved his lottery vendors in Three Rivers, who were always there to drive him home.

Bob is predeceased by his brother Adelard Bernier, Jr (1999) and his wife Joan (Sweet) (2007), sister Linda (Bernier) Day (2024), brother-in-law William Jalbert (2024), sister -in-law Elaine (Couture) Bernier (2024).

Bob is survived by his siblings Raymond Bernier, Janet (Jalbert) Bernier, Theodore Bernier and his wife Frances (Picard) Bernier and many nephews and nieces that knew their Uncle Bob was special.

Our family will have a Celebration of Life for Bob in the Spring with Burial at the Veteran's Cemetery in Agawam.  Please feel free to make a donation to your favorite charity or take some time to help someone in need.