Bernard Kirchner, 95, of Lenox died Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2019, at Berkshire Medical Center.
Bernard was born Aug. 22, 1924, the son of the late Clarence B. and E. Marie (Patnode) Kirchner. 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, June 8, 1946, and they celebrated 73 wonderful years together.
Mr. Kirchner received a bachelor’s degree in accounting and finance from Bryant College, Providence, Rhode Island, in 1950 after having served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1941-44. 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, breeding of tropical fish, and loved all of his pets throughout the years. He will be greatly missed by his family and all who knew him during his long and blessed life.
Besides his wife, Louise, Bernard leaves daughters Susan (Peter) Turner of Maryland, Christine (Paul) Benjamin of Pittsfield, Melissa Foster of Windsor, and Joan Stomski of North Carolina; grandchildren Sean (Fawn) Turner, Amanda (John) Keck, Rebecca Foster (Steve) Smith, Sarah Stomski (Cameron) Smith, 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 was predeceased by sister Marie C. Howie, brothers Kenneth E. and Neil W. Kirchner, and sons-in-law Bruce Foster and Gerald Stomski.
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 St., Lenox, MA 01240. To share memories and stories, visit rochefuneralhome.com.
