1960 - 2026
Born in San Pablo, California, he was the son of the late Margaret (Manfrina) Bernard. Jeff shared 38 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Anna (Fernandes) Bernard.
Jeff met Anna while they were both working in San Diego, and together they built a life grounded in love and family. They eventually made their home in Hopkinton, Massachusetts, where they raised their children and developed many lifelong friendships. Jeff enjoyed a long and successful career in biotechnology, retiring from MassBiologics in 2023. Shortly before his retirement, he and Anna moved to Harwich, where he found peace and happiness in the natural beauty of Cape Cod, creating meaningful memories with family and friends.
Jeff had a deep love for the ocean and felt most at home sailing or spending time by the water—often with a Dark ‘n’ Stormy in hand. He dreamed of sailing through the Caribbean and held a special fondness for St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Known for his intelligence, thoughtfulness, and calm demeanor, Jeff had a sharp wit and a signature dry sense of humor that endeared him to those closest to him. Though never the loudest voice in the room, his steady presence left a lasting impression.
Above all, Jeff was deeply devoted to his family and took great pride in his children and grandchildren.
In addition to his wife, Anna, he is survived by his three children: Michael James Bernard and his wife Netaya of Windham, New Hampshire; Stephen Manuel Bernard and his wife Rachael of Merrimack, New Hampshire; and Juliana Lucia Bernard and her partner Christopher Coveney of Boston. He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren, Addie, Teddy, and Banks. He is further survived by his sisters-in-law, Rena Dias and her husband Armenio, and Ilda Panetta and her partner Ron Larroque, both of Belchertown, along with many extended family members and dear friends.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, May 9, 2026 from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM at Chesmore Funeral Home, located at 57 Hayden Rowe Street in Hopkinton.
A brief memorial service will follow at 11:30 AM at the funeral home, followed by a reception at 12:30 PM at the Hopkinton Country Club.
The family kindly requests that donations be made in Jeff’s memory to the
Mass General Cancer Center.
