Joseph “Joe” John Bernath Jr., passed away peacefully on Nov. 9 at LincolnHealth Miles Campus in Damariscotta, with his loving family by his side. He was born in Trenton, N.J. on Feb. 6, 1932, the son of the late Joseph and Julia Lupsa Bernath. Joe grew up in New Jersey and was a graduate of Trenton Catholic High School.
Following high school he joined the U.S. Coast Guard, serving our country for six years. Returning home he attended night classes at Ryder College. While attending school, he worked for Sacony Oil as a truck driver, before moving on to Sears Roebuck where a career in tires, specifically large tires, would begin.
Having a vacation home in Boothbay Harbor, Joe and his wife would travel to Maine for long weekends. On one trip, at the suggestion from a family friend Irene, Joe approached the owner of the Lakeview Motel about her willingness to sell. After a few hours of deliberating and sharing stories, a deal was struck and Joe walked out as the new owner. Joe and Helena owned and managed the property for 10 years before eventually selling and moving on to their next project.
Joe was a hard worker and was always busy. In retirement he had many part time jobs that quickly turned into full time positions thanks to his work ethic. Wanting to “stay” as retired as possible, he would quit and move onto the next position, which ultimately would work into full time again.
He was quite the character and had a gregarious personality. Always the conversationalist he enjoyed striking up conversations, even with random strangers. Two of his passions were golf and tennis and he would often be found on the links or on the courts.
He was predeceased by children, Brenda Ann and Bruce Joseph.
Survivors include loving wife, Helena Bernath of Boothbay Harbor; and brother, Charles Bernath of Trenton, N.J.
A mass of celebration of Joe’s life will be held at 10 a.m., Sat., Nov. 16 at Our Lady Queen of Peace, 82 Atlantic Ave., Boothbay Harbor, with Father Fred Morse officiating.
Should friends desire, memorial donations may be made to the Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library, 4 Oak St., Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538.
You are invited to share your condolences, memories, and photos with the family by visiting their Book of Memories page at www.hallfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Simmons, Harrington & Hall, Boothbay.
