Stephen Bernier, 69, passed away unexpectedly at his home in South Hadley on Wednesday January 21, 2026.

Steve was born in Holyoke and was the son of Conrad and Grace Bernier. He was raised and educated in South Hadley and Holyoke.

Steve was employed during his career at various restaurants in Holyoke and South Hadley. Even if you think you didn’t know Steve, we guarantee that you did. He was a fixture in South Hadley and Lathrop Village where he lived and could always be seen riding his bicycle around town.

He was a true New England sports fan, rooting and keeping stats for his beloved Red Sox, Patriots, Celtics, and Bruins. He also enjoyed watching old episodes of Matlock and other classic television shows. Steve was known for loving a good burger and fries and would never pass up a plate of Italian food.

Steve had many interests that included reading books about history and sports and occasionally enjoying adventures along the Mystic shore with family members, as well as visiting family in New Jersey. He also enjoyed spending time with family in Vermont where he could be seen enjoying walking the family dogs and goats!

He is survived by his siblings, Connie Osborne and her husband Craig of Conway, SC, Jim Bernier of Stonington, CT, Sue Bernier and her husband Jim Burke of Mystic, CT, Libby Bernier-Spiess and her husband Bob of Lincoln Park, NJ; by his nephew, Rich Dufault of South Hadley, MA, nieces, Carrie Dufault of Springfield, NJ, Shannon Burke of Putney, VT and Logan Spiess of Lincoln Park, NJ.

A private committal service will be held for Steve in the Spring at St. Jerome’s Cemetery in Holyoke with a public service of remembrance to be held at a later date. There are no calling hours. Messier Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements

Memorial donations may be made in Steve’s memory to the South Hadley Senior Center, 45 Dayton St., South Hadley, MA 01075, where he enjoyed spending his time.

To leave an online expression of sympathy, please visit www.messierfuneralhome.com