Roger was born in Rumford, ME, the youngest of 2 sons to Alcide and Yvonne Bernier. Roger was an exceptional 3 sport student athlete and excelled in football, basketball, and baseball. He was an altar server and an accomplished Boy Scout, earning Rank of Life and the Ad Altare Dei Medal in scouting. He graduated from Stephens High School in 1956 and played baseball collegiately at Providence College graduating in 1960. He continued his studies and earned his Master’s in Education in 1969 from USM.
Roger was eternally committed to service, his faith and education. He was a lifelong educator, coach, and mentor. He taught in Auburn, NY., North Providence, RI. and later returned to Maine where he was a teacher, coach, and administrator for 26 years at Cheverus High School. He was absorbed with the Ignation philosophy, especially the latin words on the Cheverus school shield "Ad Majorem Dei Glorium".
Involvement in community was a family value and he enjoyed coaching youth, supporting Catholic education and charities notably at St. Patrick’s church in Portland, and volunteering at the Maine Youth Center. He was a long standing member of the Knights of Columbus and The Portland Elks. He was particularly proud of his efforts to organize students in outreach service. One walk-a-thon raised funds to buy a new school bus.
Roger is survived by his wife Marilyn of 59 years and their 5 children: AnneMarie Doane (Ed) of Poland, Michael Bernier (Kate) of Newton, MA, Susan Burgess of Standish, Paul Bernier of Maine, and Janine Bodnar (Robert) of Saco. He will be missed by his 11 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his older brother Maurice Bernier (Mildred) of Vero Beach, FL.
Services will begin at Jones, Rich & Barnes with visiting hours at 9:00am on Tuesday, August 16, followed by a Mass of Christian burial at St. Pius X in Portland Maine at 11:00am. Immediately following will be committal service at Brooklawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Portland, ME.
Reception to follow.
