Bernard “Bernie” J. Flattery

Bernard “Bernie” J. Flattery, 78, of Rochester, MA passed away peacefully at home on Valentines’ Day, February 14, 2024, after a period of declining health due to Progressive Supra-nuclear Palsy (PSP), a rare neurodegenerative disorder.

            Born in Buffalo, NY, to the late George R. and Florence M. (Hackett) Flattery, Bernie was the youngest of nine children.

            Bernie was the beloved husband and best friend for over 32 years of Sandra (Gillpatrick) Flattery.

            Bernie also leaves one devoted son, Brian Flattery and his wife Susan, as well as two wonderful grandchildren, Grace and Devin Flattery, of Swansea, MA.

            Bernie graduated from Bishop Turner High School in Buffalo, NY. He earned a B.S. in Management from Johnson and Wales University in Providence, RI, and he was a proud Veteran who served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, stationed in Korea. He was employed by Shaw’s Supermarkets in Massachusetts for 37 years, retiring at age 60. He also helped many people over the years by preparing their income tax returns, offering advice and service to anyone in need.

            Bernie and Sandra moved from Massachusetts to Leesburg, FL in 2008, still spending each summer in Plymouth, MA. During his years in Florida, Bernie loved serving as an umpire for the ‘The Lake Senior Men’s Softball League.’ Although generally, a soft-spoken soul, when it came to umpiring, there was no doubt when he made a call, loudly shouting, “Strike, Out or Safe!”

            Bernie loved playing sports when he was younger, and was a lifelong fan of his beloved New York Yankees and Buffalo Bills. Living most of his life in “Red Sox and Patriots Nations” never deterred him from proudly wearing his N.Y. teams’ hats and jackets, which often sparked interesting conversations.

            In 2020, Bernie and Sandra moved back to Massachusetts full-time, settling in the beautiful town of Rochester. Bernie greatly enjoyed watching Grace and Devin as they excelled at their respective sports.

            Bernie will be greatly missed by his brother Walter (late Joy) Flattery, his sisters Joan (late Jack) Connors and Joyce (late Chuck) Bastian, sisters-in-law Ann Bauman, Betsy (Fred) Cunningham, Ellen (Michael) Anderson and Gail Gillpatrick, brothers-in-law Jeffrey Gillpatrick (Rosemary Dalton-Gillpatrick) and Bradford Gillpatrick, along with many nieces, nephews and friends.

            He also is survived by his former wife, Carolyn (Dias) Flattery.

            Bernie was also predeceased by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Russell and Phyllis Gillpatrick, and his siblings: Jean (late Bob) Bauman, Jane (late Tom) Johnston, George (late Jean) Flattery, William (late Joan) Flattery, and Janet (late Gary Bastian), (late John) Bullock.

            Bernie donated his body to The Warren Alpert Medical School at Brown University in Providence, R.I.

            Per his wishes, a ‘Celebration of Life’ will be held privately.

            The Family thanks Bernie’s Caregivers: Stephanie, Doug, Amy and the trio of sisters, Paula, Nesia and Raquel for their kind and compassionate care. Also, we greatly appreciate the wonderful assistance provided by the Southcoast Hospice Team, with a special thanks to Fatima.

            If so inclined, donations in memory of Bernard J. Flattery may be sent to ‘CURE PSP’ at 325 Hudson St., 4th Floor, New York, NY  10013 (www.psp.org.)