Robert J. Bersaw

12/02/2001

Robert J. Bersaw, 73, of 193 Castle St. died Sunday at home. Born in North Adams on Nov. 30, 1928, son of Norman and Della Jennings Bersaw, he moved to Williamstown as a child and attended schools there. He graduated from the former Williamstown High School in 1948 after serving in the Navy for two years and received a bachelor's degree in education from the former North Adams State College. He began his teaching career in Stamford (Vt.) Central School. In 1957, he moved to Hillsdale, N.Y., where he was an elementary school teacher with the Roeliff Jansen School District. In 1960, he moved to Copake, N.Y., and in 1969, to Great Barrington. He taught both fifth and sixth grades until his retirement in 1986. Mr. Bersaw was a communicant of St. Peter's Church. He was active in the Copake Boy Scout Troop 130 for many years and served as cubmaster through assistant scoutmaster. He also worked summers at various Boy Scout camps. After his retirement, he was known as "Dr. Popper" while operating a popcorn stand in various locations, including the Great Barrington Bandstand. He enjoyed playing cards and had played poker with friends for many years. Mr. Bersaw and his wife, the former Barbara M. Fallon, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary April 28. They were married in St. Francis' Church in North Adams. Besides his wife, he leaves two sons, Douglas A. Bersaw of Richmond, N.H., and Daniel R. Bersaw of Great Barrington; four daughters, Dr. Eileen O'Leary of Blarney, Ireland, Carolyn V. Bersaw of Great Barrington, Marian T. Hassett of Housatonic and Patricia A. Noonan of Brandon, Vt.; a sister, Helen Sheehy of Natick, and 14 grandchildren. The funeral will be Wednesday, Dec. 5, at 9:15 from HICKEY-ROY FUNERAL HOME, followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10 at St. Peter's Church celebrated by the Rev. William Wallis, pastor. The family will receive friends Tuesday, Dec. 4, from 4 to 7 at HICKEY-ROY FUNERAL HOME. Expressions of sympathy in Bob's memory may be made to St. Peter's Church Building Fund in care of the funeral home, 33 South St., Great Barrington, MA 01230.

Obituaries

Celebrating Lives & Legacies

Robert J. Bersaw

Memorials