Bernard G. Tarpey

Bernard G. Tarpey, 70, a resident of Bridgewater, passed peacefully on the morning of December 26, 2018, with his loving family by his side. This ends Bernie's yearlong battle with Glioblastoma. He was the husband of Margaret E. (Gillis) Tarpey for 45 years. Son of the late Bernard R. and Kathryn J. (Scully) Tarpey, he was born in Boston and raised in Roxbury. Bernie attended Boston English High School before enlisting in the U.S. Army, where he was a Specialist and a Veteran of the Vietnam War. He earned his Associate's Degree in Business from Fisher Junior College. Bernie was an avid swimmer in his younger years winning two high school championships. He was a resident of Bridgewater for the last 5 years after living in Stoughton for 25 years then Brockton for 15 years. He was a mail handler for the U.S. Postal Service for 36 years before retiring in 2009. After retirement he drove for JJB Livery in Stoughton for several years. He was a longtime member of the Knights of Columbus.

As he aged, he thoroughly enjoyed spending his days playing cribbage with his late brother-in-law Owen Gillis, assistant coaching the East Bridgewater Vikings football team with his two sons, and scratching scratch tickets until the sun went down. Bernie was the first person on the dance floor and to his last day, was still busting a move to Earth Wind and Fire. He is a beloved husband, brother, father, grandfather, uncle and friend to many.

In addition to his wife, Bernie is survived by his children, Amy R. Small of Bridgewater, Stacey L. Tarpey of Barrington, RI, Shawn M. Tarpey and his wife Jen of West Bridgewater, Meg E. Tarpey of Easton and Bernard "Alex" Tarpey and his wife Christine of Bridgewater. He was the "Papa" of Jessica and her husband David, Madison, Delaney, Cassidy, Mairead, Nieve, Teagan, Shaylen, Ahnya and Camryn and the great-grandfather of Whit. He was the brother of Kathryn Tarpey of New York, Veronica "Roni" Silva and her husband Joseph of Brockton, Thomas Tarpey and his wife Donna of Randolph, Elizabeth "Betty" Silva of Brockton, John Tarpey and his wife Darla of Taunton and his twin brother, the late Kevin Tarpey and his wife Carmela. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Funeral Prayers will be offered from the Farley Funeral Home, 358 Park St., (Rt. 27) Stoughton on Monday, December 31 at 11 AM. Visiting Hours Sunday from 3-6 PM. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations in Bernie's memory may be made to Old Colony Hospice, 321 Manley St., West Bridgewater, MA 02379.