Bernard Joseph Clohisy

BRADFORD - Bernard “Bernie” Clohisy, 84, lifelong Sacred Hearts parishioner and Bradford resident, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 8, 2021, with his children by his side. Bernie was born on March 6, 1937 to parents Paul and Anne (Soraghan) Clohisy of Bradford; and was brother of John Clohisy of Haverhill. He is survived by his son Paul, daughter-in-law Tina, and grandson Paul Daniel of Taunton; his daughter Martha, son-in-law Tom Bower, grandson Caleb, and granddaughter Jean of Newburyport; and his son Stephen, daughter-in-law Annette, and granddaughter Ella of Bradford.

Directly after graduating from Haverhill High School, Bernie served for two years in the United States Marine Corps. After returning home, he met and married the love of his life, Jean Bartalussi, of Natick, MA. While working at Western Electric, they raised their three children in Bradford. There, he was a founding member of the Bradford Swim Club where he and his family developed lifelong friendships. He loved to run and was a proud member of the Haverhill YMCA’s Rudy’s Tigers. He was also actively involved in the Haverhill Arts Association where his wife, Jean Clohisy, was an accomplished watercolor artist.

Bernie was an avid historian and frequently contributed articles to the Haverhill Gazette and Lawrence Eagle Tribune.  He often appeared on talk shows with stories about Haverhill’s unique characters and colorful history.  He was an active member of his beloved Sacred Hearts parish. Of note are his memberships of the St. Vincent de Paul Society and his appointment as honorary “chairman” of the “bean-counters,” whom he cherished dearly. He regularly served meals at the Haverhill Community Center with his fellow Rotarians and always readily served those in need in his community.

All the while, he loved a cup of coffee with family and friends. Whether at daily morning meetings at Heavenly Donuts in Bradford, Wednesday retreats at Starbucks in Newburyport, museum breaks at Bravo in Boston, or at the conclusion of Sunday dinners with the family, he savored this ritual. The smell, the taste, and especially the company meant the world to him, as it did to those who shared these moments with him.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, September 12, in the Driscoll Funeral Home, 309 S. Main Street, Bradford from 1:00 to 4:00 PM. Services will begin Monday in the funeral home at 10:30 AM. Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Sacred Hearts Church, 165 S. Main Street, Bradford at 11:30 AM. Interment with U.S. Marine Corps honors will follow in Elmwood Cemetery. Contributions may be made in Bernie’s memory to the St. Vincent de Paul Society, Sacred Hearts Parish, 48 S. Chestnut Street, Bradford, MA  01835. For guestbook, visit www.driscollcares.com 

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