Paul R. Bernier

Born May 13, 1956, in New Bedford, Paul was the beloved son of the late Gerard and Alice Bernier and a devoted father, partner, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He was known for his positivity, selflessness, generous spirit, sharp wit, and deep love for his family. Paul believed that life could be transformed at any moment. His mentorship positively impacted countless lives. Among his most profound acts of service was helping his father achieve sobriety, a cherished legacy for his family.

Paul had a gift for storytelling, the kind that could captivate a room and make you laugh until you cried. Just as skilled with his hands as with his words, he could fix just about anything, often without needing a manual. At just 15 years old, he worked as a mechanic at Joe England’s Gas Station, rebuilding Volkswagen Bugs with the kind of patience and ingenuity that would define his life. Whether under the hood of a car or at the center of a story, Paul brought things back to life. He spent his entire career fixing things with skill and determination, concluding his working years as an electromechanic for Titleist, where his hands-on expertise and problem-solving instincts were highly valued.

A self-taught sailor, Paul found his greatest peace and purpose on the water. The sea became his sanctuary, and he shared that passion generously—with friends and family, especially with his brother Bob. He was even once honored with an award from the U.S. Coast Guard Public Service Awards for rescuing a couple stranded at sea—a reflection of both his skill and his bravery. Known affectionately as “Captain,” Paul captained not just boats but experiences.

He is survived by his fiancée, Dr. Trine Erichsen, whom he affectionately called "My Forever." He leaves behind his children: Danielle Bernier, Jonathan Bernier (partner Amber Autry), and Darcie Bernier (partner Nicholas Brown); his stepsons, Bryan Fahey and Matthew Fahey; and his grandchildren, Angelique Bernier and Avion Lord. He is also survived by his siblings: Diane Marie Fry (late husband Raymond Fry), Janet Jasinski (husband Greg Jasinski), Raymond Bernier (wife Lucy Bernier), Robert Bernier (wife Therese Bernier), Norman Bernier (wife Ida Bernier), and Lorraine Pittsley (late husband Jimmy Pittsley), along with countless nieces, nephews, and close friends.

Service details will be provided by the family in the coming week. Family and friends will be invited to attend and share memories. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the LUNGevity Foundation, an organization leading research funding for lung cancer and targeted therapies.

Though he is no longer with us, Paul’s legacy of positivity, love, laughter, resilience, and kindness lives on in all who knew him.

Contribution's in Paul's honor may be made to: LUNGEVITY,

https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://fundraise.lungevity.org/campaigns/In-Loving-Memory-of-Paul-Bernier

A Memorial Mass will be held on Thursday, July 17, 2025 at 11:00AM in St. John Neumann Church, 157 Middleboro Rd., East Freetown, MA 02717. Relatives and friends are invited. To leave a note of condolence: www.rock-funeralhome.com