Eastham, MA – Bernard J. Monkiewicz Sr., Born March 16th, 1947, in the Turners Falls section of Montague, MA to Jennie “Karas” & Michael W. Monkiewicz, passed away February 12th, 2026, after a long battle with heart disease.
Bernie’s family, like many of the tough & proud Polish American families, settled in the Connecticut River Valley of Massachusetts in 1913 to pursue the American dream.
He was a forever hopeful & positive man even when challenged by the many adversities throughout life. Those that knew & loved him would immediately say he put family over all other pursuits while maintaining a quirkiness, honesty & zeal to live. Never one to say, “I love you”, he displayed love through actions.
As a young man he was an outstanding athlete playing quarterback for the football team, power hitting outfielder on the baseball team and basketball. Graduating from Turners Falls High School in 1965.
Bernie was blessed to meet the love of his life Dawn “Bonzek” Monkiewicz very early in life through his sister Jeani. Dawn was his person to care for the rest of their lives. Once married, they bought her parents’ house on Dell Street & raised their two boys together. A particular joy to him was coming home from work to find their yard full of neighborhood kids. Immediately always the biggest kid, he joined in any game or sport taking place. Activities Bernie enjoyed throughout life included boating on the Connecticut River, swimming, tennis, fishing, long walks or car rides, & finally a good game of cards.
Last but far from least he will be remembered as an ardent animal lover. Especially dogs from a young boy owning Sammy the German Shepherd to days before passing watching the N.E. Patriots play in the Super Bowl at the nursing home with Bailey the Golden Retriever lying next to him in bed. He is sure to be surrounded by animals in heaven.
Bernie leaves two son’s Bernard Jr. & Mark both of Cape Cod. A sister Jeani, her son/nephew Alan of Turners Falls. Finally, three grandchildren Kylee, Bernard III “Joe”, & Alexander of Greenfield, Ma.
A memorial mass will be held at Our Lady of Czestochowa Church, 84 K St. Turners Falls, MA on Wednesday August 19th at 10:30am. A burial will follow at the Polish Cemetery for both Bernie & Dawn at the family plot.
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