Bernard E. Coit

Published Date

Bernard E. CoitBernard E. Coit, husband of Barbara A. (Amee) Coit, son of the late Edgar W. Coit and Sara M. (King) Coit, died peacefully at home on April 22, 2012. An 11th generation New Englander, Bernie was born Aug. 14, 1920 in Suffield, Conn., was raised in Norfolk, Mass., and lived his adult life in Greenland, Freedom, and Newington.

Bernie served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II stationed in the Aleutian Islands. Bernie managed Sunny Acres poultry farm in Greenland from 1948-1964 and worked as an electrical shop planner at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, retiring in July 1980.

Bernie loved nature, particularly the mountains and lakes. He climbed mountains until age 82 and spent many happy hours canoeing, camping, hiking, and sleeping out under the stars. Bernie enjoyed family gatherings and the ever-lively horseshoes, bocce, badminton, and croquet competitions. A bright, self-educated man, Bernie was an avid reader with a vast reservoir of knowledge. He rarely forgot anything he learned.

Bernie loved being right and hated being wrong. He was passionate about chocolate, homemade ice cream, and most anything laced with sugar — his only vice. An engineer by nature if not by training, Bernie was the consummate handyman who loved to putter and make something out of nothing.

Bernie was a reserved, sensitive man who said little, observed everything, and cared deeply for his family. He died as carefully as he lived.

Bernie is survived by his wife, Barbara A. Coit; his four children, Marcia L. Coit-Brock, DVM, and her husband, Doug, Gail E. Green, DVM, and her husband, Peter, Russell B. Coit and his wife, Barbara M., and Michael B. Coit and his wife, Sandy; his grandchildren, Alanna and Lilianne Brock; Seth, Brittany and Rachel Green. Katharine, Elizabeth, and Gregory Coit and Sara and Sean Coit; his sister, Hazel Sheldon and her husband, Ed; and many nieces and nephews. His siblings Everett L., Clarence F., Emily M., and Ella E. Coit predeceased Bernie.

Per Bernie's wishes, there will be no formal services. A private gathering will be held at the convenience of the family.

The Cremation Society of NH is in charge of the arrangements.