Edward Bernardino

Edward Bernardino, 89, passed peacefully on October 11, 2023 with his family by his side.

Edward was born in Cranston, RI on August 26, 1934 the son of Caesar and Clara (Ferriera) Bernardino. He leaves his wife of 34 years Helen (Ryan) Bernardino.

Ed was many things throughout his life – a father, a husband, a friend, a Marine, a salesman, a traveler, and even a candlemaker; but most of all, he was a teacher. He was not a teacher in the traditional sense, but he was a man who taught many by the examples he set with his own life and the principles by which he lived.

Ed was an adventurous and curious soul from the start. Never one to stay still or to be complacent, he was continuously on the lookout for the possibility of unique experiences. Throughout his life he sought for depth and meaning over material gain in all areas of life whether it be business, relationships, or travel. He would speak to others about a phrase that informed his life-“ The creative love impulse”. For Ed, it meant following what you love without heed to fear or failure. The importance of finding and valuing meaning above the superficial is something he embodied and it is a lesson he passed on to his children; Celeste (Matthew), Brenda (Scott), Edward, Mark (Lisa), and Paul Bernardino, his step-children Jim (Sita), Kate (Dan) Bliss, all of whom have made him proud in their own passionate pursuits in business, travel, love and adventure.

Although his pursuits were varied and his travels far and wide, one thing always brought him back and nourished his soul above all else; family. He was a loving husband to his late wife Florence (Bizaillon) for 31 years. Together they raised five children. With Helen, he became a step-father. He loved each of these wonderful people seriously and deeply. It is hard to say whether it was his sense of humor, his seriousness of intent, or his unconditional love that meant the most to his family, but everyone close to him felt the depth of his affection for them. It is something that all of his children, his twelve grandchildren, and two great grandsons carry with them today. Edward Bernardino was the “head of the bloodline”, indeed.

Today we are not so much saying goodbye to Edward Bernardino as we are saying thank you. Ed, Eddie, Dad, Grandpa, we appreciate the love you gave, the joy you shared, and the lessons you taught us. We are forever grateful, and we love you.

Ed spent his last years under the loving care of the Rhode Island Veterans Home. Our family would like to recognize the staff that went above and beyond to keep him well and safe. It was clear that you cared deeply for him, and for that we are forever grateful.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, Oct 18, from 9 am to 10:30 am at the Smith-Kelleher Funeral Home, 40 Church St., Shelburne Falls, MA, followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 11:00 am at St. Joseph’s Church, 34 Monroe Ave., Shelburne Falls. Committal prayers will follow in Hill Cemetery, Shelburne.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to either the Michael J. Fox Parkinson’s Foundation (https//give.michaeljfox.org), the American Parkinson’s Disease Foundation (www.apdaparkinson.org) or the Parkinson’s Foundation (www.parkinson.org).

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