Bernard A. Lofgren
Date of Passing:
Lofgren, Bernard A., “Bernie”, 93, of Pinehurst Road, Riverside, died peacefully on March 12, 2019 surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of the late Barbara L. (Burns) Lofgren.
Born in Dorchester, MA a son of the late Oscar and Elizabeth (Geist) Lofgren, he lived in Riverside since 1968.
Mr. Lofgren was a Television Technician for WJAR TV Channel 10 for 41 years before retiring in 1990.
Bernard was a communicant of St. Brendan Church.
Mr. Lofgren was a United States Marine Corps Veteran serving during WWII.
He is survived by ten children, Linda F. Knight of Huntington Beach, Cal., Peter E. Lofgren of Norton, MA, Timothy J. Lofgren of Riverside, Marianne Simoes of Warwick, Stephen P. Lofgren of Pawtucket, Joseph D. Lofgren of Barrington, Christopher T. Lofgren of Riverside, John J. Lofgren of Westminster, Cal., Theresa M. Shorts of Riverside and Jo-Anne M. Moyher of Port St. Lucy, FL.; seventeen grandchildren and nineteen great-grandchildren. He was the brother of the late Norman, Conrad and Richard Lofgren.
His funeral will be held on Monday March 18, 2019 from the W. RAYMOND WATSON FUNERAL HOME, 350 Willett Avenue, Riverside at 7:30 a.m. with a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Brendan Church, Turner Avenue, Riverside at 10 a.m. Calling hours are Monday morning 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. Burial with Military Honors will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Flowers are respectfully omitted. Contributions in Bernard’s memory to St. Brendan Church, 60 Turner Avenue, Riverside, RI 02915 would be deeply appreciated.
Richardson, Texas
March 18, 2019
Cousins and Family:
It is with a heavy but joyful heart that I post these comments. Heavy due to the loss of one of a kind. Joyful because I know that Bernie has been reunited in heaven with his beloved Barbara, my nana and grandpa and his three brothers.
Who was Bernie Lofgren?
To me, Bernie Lofgren was as wonderful an uncle as anyone could want.
Courageous – A Marine (there are no ex-Marines), he made multiple amphibious landings in the Pacific during World War II, Hellish fighting including Okinawa, wounded at least twice that he admitted to.
Funny – If the brothers Lofgren had the last name of Marx, we all would be wealthy. Put the three of them together, I recall clambakes at “the farm” in Norton, and you had a recipe for endless jokes and teasing. Barbara, Annette and Laurie, individually and collectively, deserved sainthood for tolerating the shenanigans of the brothers Lofgren.
Faithful – Bernie had a faith-centered life. As a child, I recall every dinner with Uncle Bernie and Aunt Barbara’s clan as being preceded by grace and I cannot recall any night, whether in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut or Goose Pond where the rosary was not said. Even I (a heathen Episcopalian) learned the Hail Mary – and said it a time or two when things got dicey in my military career.
Gentleness – Bernie was a gentle person, a kind person. Growing up, I was blessed to observe all of the brothers Lofgren living the Great Commandment. A gift to us all.
To Bernie – Semper Fi and Godspeed.
To my cousins and their families, please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers today in particular.
Captain Norm Lofgren
United States Navy (Retired)
My mother, Millie Geist Donovan, wants to leave her heartfelt condolences to her cousin, Bernie’s, family. She fondly remembers Bernie opening both his heart and home to all with genuine hospitality. She recalls on occasion in their youth, calling him for help with a problem, and he was always there for a lunch date served up with sage advice. He never let her down in making her feel better. It has been said that the greatest legacy is not what you’ve done in life, but how you’ve made others feel. A great legacy.
My mother, Millie Geist Donovan, wants to leave her heartfelt condolences to her cousin, Bernie’s, family. She remembers Bernie as always welcoming eveyone into his heart and home with genuine warmth and hospitality. In their younger years, she recalls occasions where she would reach out to Bernie for advice, and he would quickly respond with a lunch date served up with sage advice. His compassion would soon put her at ease. It has been said the greatest legacy is not what you did in life but how you made others feel.
My mother, Millie, wants to leave her heartfelt condolences to Bernie’s family. She has fond memories of her cousin, Bernie. He was a kind man, welcoming all to his home with genuine hospitality. She remembers calling him on occasions looking for sage advice to her help with a problem, and he was always right there to take her to lunch and lend an ear. His compassion and good advice always made her feel better. The greatest legacy is not what you did in life, but how you made others feel.
Let me tell you about uncle Bernie he is the best, My first memory is leaving my Easter bonnet at uncle Connie’s and uncle Bernie saw I left it and chased us down in Natick to give me my bonnet, The second time he took care of me was when Uncle Bernie called me during my formative years to tell me I was beautiful from a rest area in Mystic he said I looked just Leslie Ann Down in Cinderella, I was going through adolescents. When my mother would not let me where blue jeans he and Auntie Barbara bought my first pair. And when I lost my spouse in 2009 he made the trip down during a blizzard to help send him off. I never cared for your sauce with carrots and celery but I loved Sunday’s with Ray’s cold cuts and English Muffins, You are finally home and Auntie Barbara is waiting for you. Love Lizzy the first
To all my cousins, My uncle Bernie was the greatest uncle, he was such a kind, gentle, loving and caring man. He was always smiling and laughing. My deepest sympathy to all of you, he will be deeply missed. My happiest times as a young girl was spending a week in the summer with your Mom and Dad they were so kind and loving to me.
My sincerest condolences to Bernie’s family. Bernie was so much fun to be around and to play cards with. I know you will be greatly missed by all especially by your wonderful children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. May you RIP.
I offer my condolences to all the Lofgrens. Our fathers were good friends for a long time….from parties and card games to “dirty” tricks with sharks and fish, they loved each other and laughed a lot together. Things always seemed extra happy when Bernie was at our house. I will never forget the sparkle in his eyes…which was half joy and half mischief. Thinking of you all with love.
Our Sympathies to the Bernard Lofgren Family.you were one of the greatest Uncle Bernie.many,many,friends and family waiting.