Richard R. Bernier

WESTBROOK — Richard “Dick” Roland Bernier, 75, died peacefully with family by his side after a 35-year struggle with heart disease.

Born in Westbrook on March 15, 1936, to Odilon and Fernande (Fortin) Bernier, Dick attended St. Hyacinth Parochial School and Westbrook High School.

Dick served an honorable, faithful and active 24-year military career with the U.S. Marines. During his tour of duty, Dick distinguished himself as a flight simulator instructor.

Following his retirement, Dick worked for Data General followed by D & J Excavating, before starting his own company, ABC Windows.

Dick struggled for years with heart disease but that never slowed down his enthusiasm for life or his love for his children and grandchildren. If something good happened to someone in the family, he was always first in line to offer congratulations. Dick was very generous with his time and joined the Lions Club and later Kiwanis to show support for the community that he always called “home.”

In the simplest of terms, Dick was the ultimate family man and Marine. Dick held strongly to the expression “Once a Marine, Always a Marine.”

Dick leaves behind Barbara Buteau Bernier, his loving wife of 52 years; five children, Richard (Rob) of New Sharon, Pamela (Bernier) Wescott of Westbrook, Anne-Marie (Bernier) Wood of Raymond, Randy of Huntersville, N.C., and Stacy (Bernier) Webster of Gorham; 10 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; and six siblings, Constance Theriault, Patricia Smith, Raymond, Paul, John and Elaine Sullivan.

Dick was predeceased by his parents; his brother, Phil; and sister Venita Cutter.

A Mass in celebration of his life was held on Saturday, Jan. 21, 2012, at 10 a.m., at St. Anthony of Padua, formerly St. Hyacinth, on Brown Street in Westbrook, officiated by his cousin, Father John Fortin. A military tribute was held at the church. A reception followed downstairs.

Arrangements are by Blais and Hay Funeral Home, Westbrook. For online condolences and to sign a guestbook visit www.blaisandhayfuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you send donations to: The American Heart Association, 51 U.S. Route One, Suite M, Scarborough, ME 04074.