BERNARD "BERNIE" F. HOAR
Award Winning Local Cable Television Host "Bernie Hoar Live!" for 15 years with 318 hours of programming, 30 year School Committee Member of the Shawsheen Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School, community volunteer, active in local and state politics, and Husband, Father and Grandfather.

BILLERICA - Bernie Hoar, 76, resided in Billerica for 46 years; formerly of Hyde Park, Massachusetts. Beloved husband of Eleanor "Dale" (Kelley) Hoar and loved by his family passed away with his wife by his side on March 21, 2015 in Vero Beach, Florida.

Bernie was a gregarious vivacious person who dove into life head first and fought any challenges along the way. He was passionate in his beliefs and would debate an opponent without wavering. Bernie looked at life as an adventure, ready to explore and learn new things. He felt it important to give to his community. Bernie brought this home and supported his children and grandchildren in their lives. He was the one yelling louder than the coach on the side of the field and in our lives. He will continue to watch over us and his voice will remain in our ears.

Born on July 24, 1938 in Boston, son of the late Sherman and Lauretta (Berthiaume) Hoar of Hyde Park, he graduated from Hyde Park High in 1956 and entered the Army serving 2 ½ years in Germany with the 375th Military Police Battalion. Married Dale in 1965 and moved to Billerica in 1969. He obtained his Bachelor of Science Degree in Business administration from Northeastern University in 1972. Bernie worked at various companies including Honeywell and Raytheon as a project planner primarily in the defense industry, but his passion was in his volunteer work and in supporting the youth.

In Hyde Park, Bernie was an active volunteer in youth sports including baseball as an original member of the Hyde Park Youth Association. He was a major little league manager and served as Commissioner. Bernie managed the 1964 St. Anne's CYO to a New England Championship team.

In Billerica, Bernie continued his love for baseball being active in the Billerica Little League. He was the first manager of the Little Leagues' Big League team. After 50 years of volunteering, he became a spectator traveling the country to different ball fields following the Boston Red Sox. Bernie was actively involved in the St. Andrew's Boy Scout Troop 11, hiked the Presidential Range in 1977 and formed the first Explorer Troop. He was a chaperon for the Billerica Ski Club for many years even though he did not ski. Bernie was named the Billerica Boys and Girls Club Man of the Year in 2003. He is a life member of the Billerica Knights of Columbus; a life member of the Billerica Lodge of Elks #2071 and a charter member of the Billerica Loyal Order of the Moose #4628.

Known, in his prime, around Billerica as the "energizer bunny", Bernie was a 30 year member of the Shawsheen Tech School Committee retiring in 2011 after being inducted into its Hall of Fame. He served as Chair, Vice-chair, Treasurer and Secretary. He also served on the curriculum, facilities and technology sub-committees. He was a member of the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association serving on the sportsmanship committee for many years. Bernie was an active Member of the Massachusetts Association of School Committee being elected as a life member and received an Outstanding School Committee Member award.

Bernie was active in the political arena; a 33 year Town Meeting member; 2 year member of Billerica School Committee; Chair and member of the Board of Health; Democratic Town Committee and served on many other town committees. He was the President of the Billerica Partners of Education for 8 years and a member of the Billerica Financial Development Corporation serving as its Executive Director for 10 years. Bernie was involved in many campaigns at the state, county and local elections.

Always upbeat, Bernie was passionate about sharing his views with anyone who would listen and Bernie Hoar Live was the perfect vehicle. Bernie's style drew in baseball Hall of Famer Tommy Glavine several times, countless state and local officials, and local charitable organizations and youth groups. His show won numerous awards and ran for 15 years until he handed the jelly bean jar to Jack Morris who continues the program today.

Surviving Bernie besides his wife is Bernie, Jr. and his wife Colleen (Gingras) and their four children (Nathaniel, Mitchell, Tamara, Alexander) of Haverhill; Kelly Ann Kist of Seabrook Beach, NH; Michael and his wife Barbara (Stairs) and their seven children (Michaela, Justin, Brianna, Brandon, Nickolas, Joseph, Christian) of Billerica; Christine Dunleavy and her husband John and their two children (Cara, Kelley) of Newton; his brother, Richard and his wife Susie of Vacaville, CA, a retired career Air force Sergeant; and special friends, Mike LeVecque, Tim Morrison, Jim and Sharyn Davis, Jack Morris, Bob Reader, Sandy Bates, Joe Higgins and Bill Greene.

Bernie and Dale enjoyed vacationing with their grandchildren at Old Orchard Beach, Maine and Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire and their travel adventures in retirement including cruises to Alaska, Panama Canal, and the Caribbean, trips to Ireland, California, Colorado, Las Vegas, and spending their winters in Vero Beach, Florida.

Bernie was no stranger to illness and perhaps this is where his friends and family saw his determination and perseverance shine the most. Bernie received a liver transplant in 1992 and began the 2nd of the 6 lives he'll tell you he lived. Through it all, he stayed positive, followed doctors' orders - this is notable as Bernie did "everything" his way - and fought to regain the highest quality of life available to him. Although sacrifice was required it did not stop him, despite diabetes, from enjoying his evening "super snack" with his grandchildren. So it was no surprise when the North Billerica location of the Life Care Center of America featured Bernie in their marketing program. Bernie's last few years were spent fighting back from two hip surgeries and although this kept him from last winter in Florida, there was no way he was going to miss this winter. So on March 21st when his number came up, he was with his wife, in a place he loved and very happy. He did it his way!

A Celebration of Life will be held on May 23, 2015 from 1:00pm - 5:00pm at the Billerica Lodge of Elks, Webb Brook Road in Billerica. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Shawsheen Technical High School Scholarship Fund, 100 Cook Street, Billerica, MA 01821.