Donat C. "Don" Bernier, 95, of Dartmouth passed away on Thursday April 16, 2020 at The Oaks after a period of declining health. He was the loving husband of the late Jessie (Rapoza) Bernier with whom he shared 65 years of marriage.
Born in New Bedford, the son of the late Adelard and Athais (Dumont) Bernier, he lived in New Bedford for most of his life prior to moving to Dartmouth.
He was a communicant of St. Mary's Church, South Dartmouth.
Mr. Bernier was formerly employed as a plumber for the City of New Bedford Building Department. He retired as the city's plumbing inspector.
During World War II, he served in the U.S. Navy aboard the U.S.S. Hornet in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater. He was awarded the Asiatic-Pacific Area medal with 9 stars, the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with 2 stars, the World War II Victory medal, the Good Conduct medal, and the Presidential Unit Citation. He was a member and a past commander of the Whaling City Post 3196 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars as well as a member of the Disabled American Veterans. Don took pride in his service and would never be seen without wearing his USS Hornet cap.
In his youth, Don enjoyed roller skating at Lincoln Park. He loved to dance and at Autumn Glen was known as the dancing veteran. Don was active in New Bedford politics and happiest working on campaigns. In 2010, he received an honorary diploma from GNBRVHS as he left school early to join the Navy at age 17. With a few tools and duct tape, he could fix most anything. Don loved to travel with his wife Jessie. They enjoyed their last five vacations taking their children and grandchildren to Mexico. Family was very important to him and he rarely missed any of his children's milestones or his grandchildren's events.
He is survived by his three children, Michele Whalen and her husband DJ of Nashua, NH, Dana Bernier and his wife Cheryl of Dartmouth, and Beth Kilanowich and her husband Wayne of New Bedford; his sister, Annette Bernado of New Bedford; six grandchildren, Jennifer Turner, Patrick Whalen, Ryan and Kyle Bernier, Graham and Logan Kilanowich; several great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
He was the brother of the late Anita Robinson, Ida Maranda, Lillian Yates, and Doris Ponte.
The family would like to thank the staff of Autumn Glen and The Oaks for the care and compassion that they provided.
Due to the current restrictions on public gatherings, his burial will be private for immediate family. A Memorial Mass and Life Celebration will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Disabled American Veterans at secure.dav.org . Arrangements are by the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.