Bernard L. Messier, 88, of Mattapoisett died March 10, 2004 at St. Luke's Hospital after a brief illness. He was the husband of Catherine T. (DeTerra) Messier.
Born in New Bedford, the late Arthur and Melina (Savoie) Messier, he lived in New Bedford most of his life before moving to Mattapoisett in 1974.
He was formerly employed by the United States Postal Service for many years until his retirement as supervisor in 1972.
Mr. Messier was a communicant of St. Anthony's Church in Mattapoisett.
He served as a sergeant in the 26th Yankee Infantry Division during World War II. He participated in the battles of Rhineland, Ardennes, Battle of the Bulge and Central Europe. He was the recipient of the American Defense Service medal and the European African Middle Eastern Theater Campaign Ribbon.
Mr. Messier was a member of the Disabled American Veterans Dr. C.E. Burt Chapter 7, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Andrews-Dahill Post 1531, the Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge, the National Association of Retired Federal Employees and a charter member of the James P. Murphy Club where he played semi-pro football.
Survivors include his wife; a brother, Raymond F. Messier of Lowell; a sister, Therese B. Shurtleff of Fairhaven; many nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
He was the brother of the late Gracia L. Gobeil, Herve A. Messier, Roger J. Messier, Rita R. Messier, Adrienne M. Milott and J. Everett Messier.
His Funeral Service will be held on Saturday March 13, 2004 at 10 AM in the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home For Funerals, 50 County Rd. (Rt. 6) Mattapoisett. Burial in St. Anthony's Cemetery will be private. Visiting hours will be on Saturday morning 9-10 AM prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be to the Mattapoisett Police Ambulance Fund, P.O. Box 436, Mattapoisett, MA 02739 or the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 7, 19 Willis St., New Bedford, MA 02740.