Roland R. Bernier

Roland R. Bernier was called home, passing peacefully in Rochester on January 20, 2025. “Bernie” as he was known, was born in Nashua on January 30, 1935, the son of Roland and Yvonne Bernier. He grew up in the Nashua area and enlisted in the United States Army, proudly serving his country in the Korean War. After starting a family in Brookline, NH, the family moved to New Durham in 1977, where he resided for more than 30 years. Roland and Beverly raised 6 children. Bernie’s camp on Round Pond in Pittsburg was a special place, where for 40 years, he, family and friends spent many weekends fishing, hunting and snowmobiling until 2011, when he moved full time to Rochester. For many years, winters were spent on Marco Island, Florida after retirement.
Bernie was an excavating contractor, employed with Seawood Construction, where he built large bridges in New England. Upon moving to New Durham, he started Bernier and Sons Excavating, which operated in the Wolfeboro area. Bernie was the founder of Perry Hollow Golf Course, which is now Winnipesaukee Golf Course.
Bernie enjoyed time with family on Round Pond, fishing, hunting, snowmobiling and vegetable gardening. He was creative with woodworking, whether it was a larger project or making furniture. A devout Catholic, Bernie was grounded by his faith, which played an important part in his life. He had been a communicant of the former St. Cecelia’s Church in Wolfeboro and then Holy Rosary in Rochester.
Roland is survived by his children Roland Bernier of New Boston, Kevin Bernier of Wolfeboro, Robyn Bernier of Barrington, Raymond Bernier of North Carolina, and Shawn Bernier of New Durham; his brother Thomas Bernier of Lyndeborough ; grandchildren Emily Joy, Gregory Bernier, Molly Bernier, Nicholas Bernier, Zachary Joy, Hannah Bernier and Jagger Bernier; and 11 great-grandchildren. He was pre-deceased by his son Michael Bernier and his sisters Patricia and Pauline.
A Catholic Mass will be held at Holy Rosary in Rochester on February 06, 2025, at 10am, with a private burial at the Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen with full military honors at later date.