Wells, Maine - Steven Leroy Bernheisel, age 75, passed away on January 21, 2024 at Gosnell Hospice House, after succumbing to the ravages of Agent Orange exposure in Vietnam. He was a tenacious fighter, who held onto the very last moments of life with his family for as long as he possibly could. He went out his way, on his own time frame, with his family surrounding him for six days, sharing stories, supporting him and each other as he made his peace with saying goodbye.
He was born in Boston, Mass on April 4, 1948, a son of the late Deastill Shelton and Eleanor (Plummer) Bernheisel. He graduated from South Portland High School and immediately enlisted in the U.S. Army where he served as a door gunner in the Vietnam war. He received several medals and accolades for his sacrifices and service. He retired from Bath Iron Works when the effects of agent orange became too much, but kept himself busy until he couldn’t. He loved his high school sweetheart through 55 years of marriage, camping, his kids and his grandkids almost as much as he loved the Boston Red Sox. He was a fan before 2004. For many years he was a proud volunteer firefighter for the South Portland Fire Department, serving as a member of Pleasantdale Hose Company 3. He taught his family, by example, the importance of unconditional love, how to say sorry, how to have a civil debate (make sure you had your facts!), and that service to others was invaluable.
He is predeceased by his sisters Karen O’Brien and Kathleen Philbrook, as well as his brother Wayne Bernheisel. He is survived by his wife Linda (Fields) Bernheisel, his siblings Judy Moody and her spouse David, Allan Bernheisel and his spouse Sheila, Ronald Bernheisel, Diane Dodge and her spouse Steve, Sharon Tirabassi and her spouse Mike, his children Suzette Bernheisel Moulton and her spouse Gary, Stacy Bernheisel, Amanda Bernheisel, and Shannon (Bernheisel) Pierce and her spouse Gordon, and his grandchildren Tyler and Lucas Moulton, Thomas Cunneen, Christopher Pierce and Nolan Pettigrazzo and a great many beloved nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests you send donations to Gosnell Hospice House.
A celebration of life will be held on February 10, 2024, from 4-8 pm at the Church of Latter-Day Saints, Sanford, ME.
Burial will be at the Southern Maine Veterans Cemetery.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Chad E. Poitras Cremation and Funeral Service, Buxton, www.mainefuneral.com
- Celebrating the Lives of Veterans -