Harold “Curley” Bernard

January 27, 1931 - October 7, 2019

Harold "Curley" Bernard, 88, of Bradford, MA., passed away on Monday October 7th, 2019 at Mary Immaculate Nursing Home in Lawrence MA. after complications from living with Alzheimer's disease for about four years. He was born on January 27th, 1931 in Methuen MA. son of the late Caroline Pickles. In Curley's younger years he began working as a horse exerciser at the Rockingham Park in Salem NH. before leaving for a few years serving in the Army and becoming a Korean War Veteran. Curly was really passionate about sports and began playing competitively in local softball leagues as well as coaching and refereeing hockey, basketball, and softball throughout the years. His athletic talent and abilities he carried over to his older years was truly amazing as he was still playing basketball and umpiring softball until his mid seventies. He also competed in the U.S. regional Senior Olympics and won multiple awards for track events and basketball. Curly worked as a Maintenance Worker for the Department of Public Works of Lawrence MA. He mostly worked on the parks and baseball fields before retiring after 20 years. He is survived by his son Blake J. Bernard of Bradford MA. He was also a husband of 47 years to the late Joan M. (Higginbottom) Bernard of Bradford MA. and brother to the late John L. Bernard of Lawrence MA. Relatives and friends are invited to call on Tuesday, October 15th, 2019 from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm at the John Breen Memorial Funeral Home, Inc., 122 Amesbury Street, Lawrence, MA. Burial will be private and held at a later date. For online condolences and other information please visit us at www.breenfuneralhome.com.