William A. Bernardi, 79, of Norwell, passed away peacefully at home on February 2, 2014, surrounded by his loving wife and children after fighting a long battle with cancer.  Bill was the beloved husband of Judy (Desmond) Bernardi and loving father of Peter Bernardi, of Norwell, Paul Bernardi of Boston and Claudia Bernardi of Norwell. Loving grandfather of Liza. Ginger, and William. He was the son of the late William and Mary Bernardi, formerly of Quincy and brother of Raymond and Gilda.

Bill was born in Quincy, MA in his family home, the youngest of three children and grew up on Wollaston Beach.  He entered the United States Marine Corps, stationed at Camp Lejeune at the age of 18 and served eight years prior to being honorably discharged at the rank of Sergeant.

In addition to his family, friends, and growing the best tomatoes in town, music was his career and passion.  Bill was the inventor of the Lyricon, an electronic wind instrument and the first wind controller to be constructed.  The Lyricon was featured by notable artists including the late Chuck Greenberg of Shadowfax, Tom Scott on Grateful Dead's Estimated Prophet, and Steely Dan's  Peg.  Bill was very much a musical prodigy, teaching himself to play any instrument he put his mind to, including, the guitar, piano, bongos, flute as well as composing his own music.

Bill's connection to the Norwell community has run deep for over fifty years.  In addition to being on many town boards, he was a devoted member of Saint Helen Church as well as the Church's Choir Director.  He took great pride in bringing music into other people's lives.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, February 7, 2014 at 11:00am in St. Helen Church 383 Washington St, Norwell, MA 02061.  Visiting hours Thursday, February 6 from 4-8 pm at McNamara-Sparrell Funeral Home 30 Central Street (off Rt. 123, near State Police Barracks), Norwell, MA. 02061.

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