Charles M. Bernier

Despite his quest to live to be the oldest living veteran of World War II, retired Army Colonel Charles Murray Bernier, 89, of Hingham, MA passed away peacefully at home on October 4th, 2013.

Charles was born February 1, 1924, in Campbellton, New Brunswick and was naturalized as an American Citizen during his first tour on Active Duty in Europe in 1941. 

Charles married Patricia (Malone) on November 6th, 1948, and over the course of nearly 64 years with her, raised five daughters and welcomed their husbands and eventual grandchildren into the family. He retired from the military as a Colonel (06) with 30 years of service in the Army Reserves—serving as an officer during both WWII and the Korean War—while remaining employed by American Telephone and Telegraph for a total of 42 years. Upon retirement, he enjoyed traveling around the world with his best friend and loving wife Patricia, visiting his five daughters and their families, serving as commander of the local VFW Post, bowling with his buddies at the Hingham Country Club, attending breakfast with friends at Easter’s, and completing every crossword puzzle he could find. 

A man of few words, he could deliver a joke when one was least expected and a piece of advice whenever it might be requested. His family and friends will remember him as a man of unshakable faith, unquestionable integrity and unbounded love, a man who was both serious and humorous.

Charles was preceded in death by his father, John Joseph Bernier; mother, Alice Murray Bernier; sister, Kathryn Kerr, and brother, Jack Bernier. He is survived by his wife, Patricia Bernier; daughters and sons-in-law, Christine and Keith Stewart of Lompoc, CA, Susan and James Russo of Waldoboro, ME, Charlene and Paul McDade of Houston, TX, Laurel and Mike McHargue of Leadville, CO, Carol and Michael Shaughnessy of Hingham, MA; twelve grandchildren and five great grandchildren. 

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend the visiting hours on Friday 4-8 PM in the Pyne Keohane Funeral Home, 21 Emerald St. (off Central St.), HINGHAM. A Celebration of Life Service will be held in the funeral home at Saturday prior to the Funeral Mass in St. Paul’s Church, Hingham at 10:30 AM.  

Condolences may be made as contributions in Charles Bernier’s name to the American Legion, Post 120, P.O. Box 72, Hingham, MA 02043, or to NVNA-Hospice, 120 Longwater Dr. Norwell, MA 02061.