Bernard Kirchner, 95

LENOX, Mass. — Bernard Kirchner, 95, died Tuesday, December 10, 2019, at Berkshire Medical Center.

Bernard was born to the late Clarence B. and E. Marie (Patnode) Kirchner on August 22, 1924. He was a longtime resident of Lenox and Pittsfield. He was a 1941 graduate of Lenox High School. Bernard married the love of his life, Louise Proctor on June 8, 1946 and they have celebrated 73 wonderful years together.

Mr. Kirchner received a bachelor's degree in accounting and finance from Bryant College, Providence, R.I., in 1950 after having served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1941-1944. He had received a Purple Heart after being wounded in the Battle of Guadalcanal. He was a life member of the Disabled American Veterans. He worked as a public and private accountant for many years and retired from General Electric in 1986 after 20 years of service.

Bernard was a past president of the Berkshire Coin Club, longtime member of the Lions Club in both Lenox and Pittsfield, and a member of the Berkshire Museum Aquarium Club. He enjoyed gardening, beekeeping and breeding tropical fish, and he loved all of his pets throughout the years.

Besides his wife, Louise, Bernard was the proud father of his four daughters, Susan (Peter) Turner of Maryland, Christine (Paul) Benjamin of Pittsfield, Melissa Foster of Windsor and Joan Stomski of North Carolina; a loving grandpa/Pop-pop to his six grandchildren, Sean (Fawn) Turner, Amanda (John) Keck, Rebecca Foster (Steve) Smith., Sarah Stomski (Cameron) Smith, and Andrea, Andrew and Hannah Stomski; 12 great-grandchildren; brothers John R. (Carol) Kirchner and Robert F. Kirchner; and many nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents. Bernard is predeceased by his sister, Marie C. Howie; brothers Kenneth E. and Neil W. Kirchner; and his two sons-in-law, Bruce Foster and Gerald Stomski.

He will be greatly missed by his family and all who knew him during his long and blessed life.

Funeral notice: Per Bernard’s wishes, there will be no calling hours or services. Burial will be scheduled at a later date. Donations in Bernard's memory may be made to a Charity of Choice in care of the Roche Funeral Home, 120 Main Street, Lenox, MA 01240.