HOLDEN: Conrad D. Bernard, 71, passed away peacefully at his home on March 2, 2023 with his children by his side, after a long illness.
Conrad was born on November 9, 1951 in Worcester, Massachusetts to the parents of Terese M. (Small) Bernard and Conrad A. Bernard.
He is predeceased by his wife and best friend, Joyce F. (Walker) Bernard who died in 1997. He leaves his 5 children; Kimberly L. Koontz and her significant other Scott Day of Barre, Richard I. Hanny, Jr. and his wife Jill of Hardwick, Felicia Asmus and her husband Eric Asmus of Princeton, Joshua Bernard and his wife Jaimie Dowjat of Leominster, and Jeremy Bernard, and his wife Breana of Holden. He also leaves 12 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his 3 brothers; Leonard Bernard of Spencer, William Bernard of North Brookfield and Michael Bernard of Spencer. He leaves his sister Kathy Beford and her husband Peter of Spencer. He grew up in Spencer and graduated from David Prouty High School. He went on to have a fulfilling career in communications specializing in fiber optics. Conrad was a dedicated family man who loved spending time with his family. He was very influential in his children and grandchildren’s lives. He was an avid hunter and taught all his children and many of his grandchildren about gun safety. He was a history buff fascinated in early war eras. He always had a story that could easily turn into a learning moment. After he retired, he enjoyed morning walks with his dog Duncan on the rail trail or spending lazy afternoons either with his sister Kathy and brother in-law Peter on their porch or with his sister-in-law and brother-in-law Nancy and Phillip Millette at their lake house. Conrad was an amazing man who was a role model and mentor for so many.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Conrad’s name to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 1120, Framingham, MA 01701. A private graveside service will be held in Worcester County Memorial Park at the convenience of the family. A Celebration of his Life will be held on Thursday, March 23rd. from Noon to 3 p.m. in Val's Restaurant, 75 Reservoir St., Holden, MA. The J.HENRI MORIN & SON FUNERAL HOME, 23 Maple Terr., Spencer is assisting the family with arrangements