James "Craig" C. Bernier, Jr.

James “Craig” C. Bernier Jr., born April 24, 1969, died peacefully at his home on The Mohawk Trail on July 5, with family and friends at his side. He is survived by his 8 year old daughter, Judith and her mother, Nicole Pelc, his puppy, Delco, his mother, Carla Bernier, sisters Lisa Kittredge and Sara Bernier Sabelawski, his brother, Marc Bernier, his Grandmother, Betty Graveline, his stepmother Kathy McIntyre Bernier, his stepsister Megan Buff and stepbrother, Matt Attesi. He also leaves his beloved nieces, Lisa’s children, Kylie and Casey Kittredge, Sara’s children, Ella, Josie and Maddie, Marc’s children, Jordan and Paige, his step daughter, Alexis Ackermann, and his many aunts, uncles and cousins. He was predeceased by his dad, James Craig Bernier, his maternal grandfather, Fred Graveline, and his paternal grandparents, Bayne and Fran Bernier. We should also mention his best friends, Steve Knapp and Mike Krusiewski, who, without them, we never would have gotten through this most difficult time! A special thanks to Nurse Nicole, Judith’s mom, for helping out with the medical end.

Craig loved his daughter, most of all! She was his world! His day and night!  He had a very action packed life, including his love of fireworks, guns and the second amendment, 4- wheeling, snowmobiling, water sports, and anything outdoors. He was always fixing something, including his paraphernalia at the hospital, solving problems with his tubes, much to the nurses’ amazement!! His business, Valley Starter and Alternator, was just beginning to take root! Prior to that, he was a millwright in the union. Before that he worked for his dad’s golf cart business in sales. He was a disaster planner/”prepper”, always having two “go bags” ready- one for himself and one for Judith. He loved his dogs, Axel and Sobe, who predeceased him, and Delco, who will be transitioning to her new home with Craig’s friend Steve, and his wife Jenn and their two existing dogs! How wonderful for Delco! (Delco, btw, is a brand of a starter part!) she is a beautiful German Shepherd. Craig’s friends say that he would drop anything to help out in a pinch, regardless of the situation.

After a short, courageous battle, Craig succumbed to  Pancreatic Cancer.  We would like to extend our love and deep gratitude to all Staff at Cooley Dickinson Hospital who helped us care for Craig, Cooley Dickinson Hospice, as well to all who have reached out to Craig’s family and friends during the past month with prayers, hope and light.

Donations may be made to the Mass General Cancer Center at Cooley Dickinson, P.O. Box 329, Northampton, MA  01061, or to the James C. Bernier, Jr. Family trust, (for the benefit of Judith) Greenfield Savings Bank, 400 Main Street P.O. Box 1537 Greenfield, MA 01302-153, 413-774-3191.

A memorial service will be held at Kostanski Funeral Home, 220 Federal Street, Greenfield on Thursday, July 12, at 3:00 PM, with calling hours before from 1:00 to 3:00. Craig’s family invites those who wish to join in a celebration of Craig’s life to be held at Schuetzen Verein, 55 Barton Cove Rd. Gill, MA  01354, immediately after the service.

For condolences, please visit www.kostanskifuneralhome.com.

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