Bernard "Bernie " Poyant

Bernard G. Poyant, “Bernie,” age 86, of New Bedford, passed away, Friday, January 1, 2021 at St. Luke’s Hospital. He was the husband of nearly 50 year to the late Claire (Arguin) Poyant, “the love of his life”.

Born in Acushnet, a son of the late Lucien Poyant Sr. and Anna (Loranger) Poyant, he was a lifelong area resident.

A graduate of Fairhaven High School, he was a Veteran of the United States Army National Guard. He was a communicant of St. Mary’s Church in New Bedford.

Mr. Poyant retired as an account manager from New England Telephone in 1989. He also worked at, then ran his family’s business, Poyant Cider Mill, until it’s closing.

He is survived by three children, Denise Bunnewith of Yulee, FL, Donna Poyant of New Bedford, Cynthia Benedito and her husband Jack of Acushnet; one brother, Lucien Poyant Jr. and his wife Diane of Hyannis; one sister, Jacqueline Trindade of Acushnet; four grandchildren, Daniel Benedito and his wife Jessica, Julie Roy and her husband Aaron, Jonathan Bunnewith , Sarah Bunnewith ; two great-granddaughters, Lily Benedito and Macy Roy, many nieces and nephews, and his cousin and friend Henry Saulnier. He was the father-in-law of the late Christopher Bunnewith.

Due to the current restrictions on public gatherings, his funeral will be private. Contributions in his honor may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501, St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.