Joseph F. Bernardo

Joseph Francisco Bernardo, age 65, of Swansea, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, after living a happy and fulfilling life. He was surrounded by his loving family. He fought a courageous battle against myasthenia gravis and lung cancer.

Born in Pico da Pedra, St. Michael, Azores, Joseph was the son of the late José P. Bernardo and the late Maria J. (Patricio) Bernardo.

Joseph was a graduate of Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School, Class of 1978, specializing in Machine Shop. He went on to receive a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology from University of Massachusetts Dartmouth in 1982. He also received his Master of Business Administration from Providence College in 2006.

He began his long career in engineering as a Pipe Support Design Engineer for Stone & Webster Engineering Corp., Boston, MA from 1982-1987, followed by Project Engineer for General Dynamics, Groton, CT from 1987-1988, then Senior Quality Assurance Engineer/Nuclear Quality Assurance Lead Auditor for Entergy Nuclear, Plymouth, MA (formerly Boston Edison Company and Yankee Atomic Electric Company) from 1988- 2009. Most recently, he was a Quality Engineer/Nuclear Quality Assurance Lead Auditor for Framatome, Inc. of Lynchburg, VA since 2010.

His greatest joy in life was his family. Joseph was a dedicated husband, father, and grandfather. He took great pride in his children and grandchildren and all of their accomplishments. Education was always very important to Joseph and he supported all of his children through their educational journeys. He was an avid gardener and transformed his yard into a “jungle” that his grandchildren love to have adventures in. He traveled extensively, and most recently enjoyed a beautiful vacation in California with his wife, children, and grandchildren. He also enjoyed spending time with his siblings and extended family.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 42 years, Laura DeSouza Bernardo; his five loving children, daughter Priscilla M. Bergeron and her husband, Philip, daughter Dr. Veronica Bernardo, daughter Cassandra L. Bernardo, son Keith J. Bernardo and his wife Erin, and son Benjamin D. Bernardo, all of Swansea; and his four adoring grandchildren, Liam P. Bergeron, Charlotte M. Bergeron, Quinn R. Bernardo, and Finley H. Bernardo. He is also survived by his brother Manuel Bernardo, and his wife Nicole, of Fall River, brother John Bernardo, and his wife Vivian of New Hampshire, and his sister Mary Vasconcelos, and her husband Joseph of Fall River. He is also survived by two maternal aunts, Isaura Martins and Esprezes Oliveira, both of Canada, and paternal aunt, Maria L. Almeida, of Taunton, and many nephews, nieces, and cousins.

His funeral will be held Tuesday, November 26, 2024 at 9:00 AM from the Waring-Sullivan Home at Birchcrest, 189 Gardner's Neck Road, Swansea followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:00 AM at St. Dominic's Parish, Swansea. Relatives and friends are invited. Visitation will be held Monday, November 25, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Burial will be in St. Patrick's Cemetery, Fall River.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Joseph’s memory to Boston Children’s Hospital, 401 Park Drive, Suite 602, Boston, MA 02215 or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, memphis, TN 38105.