Bernard Goushakjian, 86, of Turnessa Green, North Providence, died Monday, April 18, 2016, surrounded by his loving family, at Roger Williams Medical Center in Providence. He was the husband of the late Virginia (DeMars) Goushakjian, to whom he had been married to for over 59 years before her death in 2010. He was the beloved father of Michelle "Mickey" Pazienza and her husband, Anthony Remington of North Providence.
He and his wife, Ginny, lived in Johnston for 44 years before moving to Louisquisset Condominiums, North Providence in 2001. They enjoyed the winters in The Villages, Florida during their later years.
As a young man Bernie enjoyed his time as a cadet in the Civil Air Patrol before joining the US Air Force Reserve.
Before retiring he was a distributor for COTT Soda for many years and later had worked for the former F. DiZoglio Paper Company in West Warwick. After retirement he was a dedicated Anderson-Winfield Home employee for over 17 years.
During his long life he was a member of Knights of Columbus in Johnston, enjoyed time at Kirkbrae Country Club and served as a board member of the Louisquisset Condo Association and the Parkview Condo Association in North Providence.
Bernie loved to be around people. He was a very social guy! He made many lifelong friendships along the way. Bernie was always ready for a conversation be it about the weather or a deep debate in solving the world's issues.
Born in Providence, he was the son of the late Avedis and Mary (Koundakjian) Goushakjian. Besides his daughter and her husband, he is survived by his sister, Lucy Campopiano of Glocester and many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews with whom he always looked forward to spending time. He was the brother of the late Albert Goushakjian.
His funeral will be held Monday at 10 am from the Anderson-Winfield Funeral Home, Rt 44 at Greenville Common, Greenville. Mass of Christian Burial at 11am in St. Anthony Church, 1413 Mineral Spring Avenue, North Providence. Burial will be in Highland Memorial Park. Visitation Sunday 4-7pm. In lieu of flowers donations in his memory may be made to St. Edward Food Bank, 1001 Branch Ave, Providence, RI 02904