william S. Berner

William S. Berner, 87, of East Hartford, loving husband of 64 years of Shirley M. (Jepsen) Berner, peacefully passed away surrounded by his caring family on Monday, August 24, 2015 at Hartford Hospital after a brief illness. Born in Springfield, MA on December 24, 1927, a son of the late Carl H. and Jennie (Shinder) Berner, he had been a resident of East Hartford for most of his life. William was a graduate of East Hartford High School, Class of 1945 where he was a classmate with his wife, Shirley, and was a proud veteran of the U.S. Army after World War II. Prior to his retirement he was a Co-Owner and Operator with his late brother, Alfred, for 40 years at Berner & Sons Television, Radio, & Appliance Sales and Service in East Hartford. William was a longtime active member of South Congregational Church, East Hartford. He was a member of the former Masonic Lodge in East Hartford, the East Hartford Rotary Club, the East Windsor Sportsman's Club, and the NRA. William also was a loyal fan of UCONN sports, especially the Women's basketball team; a skin diver; a pilot of small planes; an avid golfer; and loved hunting and target shooting. Besides his beloved wife, Shirley, William is survived by a son, William C. Berner and his wife, Brigitte, of East Hartford; two daughters, Sherry E. Loomis and her husband, Stephen, of Colchester, Judith A. Zuniga and her husband, Ballardo, of Palm Harbor, FL. He also leaves six cherished grandchildren, Andrew Loomis and his wife, Amber, of Middletown, Sarah Loomis and her husband, Daniel Falbowski, of Norwich, Jeffrey Zuniga of Palm Harbor, FL, Erika Zuniga of Palm Harbor, FL, Carl Berner of East Hartford, Jessica Berner of East Hartford; two adored great-grandchildren, Jared Loomis of Middletown, Logan Zuniga of Palm Harbor, FL; a sister, Doris Baker of East Hartford; several nieces, nephews, former customers, and dear friends. Along with his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, Alfred Berner of East Hartford. A memorial service celebrating William's life will be Saturday (August 29th) at 11 am at the South Congregational Church, East Hartford with Rev. Al Turner officiating. Private burial will be held at the convenience of the family. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in William's name may be made to the South Congregational Church Memorial Fund, 1301 Forbes Street, East Hartford, CT 06118. The D'Esopo-East Hartford Memorial Chapel, 30 Carter Street, East Hartford has been entrusted with the care of the funeral arrangements. For on-line expressions of sympathy to the family please visit www.desopo.com.