Bernard B. Diana, 78, entered into rest on Saturday, April 14th, 2012 at the Connecticut Hospice, Inc., Branford surrounded by his loving family. He was the devoted husband of Mary Lou Eiber Diana for 58 years. Bernie was born in New Haven on August 24, 1933; son of the late Benjamin and Margaret DeStefano Diana and stepson of the late Ann Casolino Diana. He was the beloved father of Richard Diana and his wife, Kristine; Laura Madden and her husband, Peter; Scott Diana and his wife, Karen; and Catherine Richards and her husband, Bill. He was the loving grandfather of Ashley & Carolyn Madden, and Jordan & Colby Diana. Bernie was a graduate of Notre Dame High School. He served his country faithfully in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. Following the war, he became an apprentice at Rundbaken Engraving Co. , Orange Street, New Haven and later became president of the company. He was a communicant of Church of the Resurrection. Bernie was an avid Boston Red Sox fan and golfer. He was a member of the Hunter’s Golf Club Seniors. He especially loved spending time with his family and friends.
His funeral procession will leave the North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue, Wednesday morning at 10:30. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated in Church of the Resurrection, Wallingford at 11:00. Interment with full military honors will follow in All Saints Cemetery. The visiting hours will be Tuesday from 6 to 8 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the CT Hospice, Inc., 100 Double Beach Rd., Branford, CT 06405.
Peter and family,
I want to extend my deepest sympathy to you and your family at this sad time. He is in a better place where there is no suffering. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Diane
So sorry to hear of Bernie’s passing. Thoughts and prayers to all of you…
My sincerest condolences for your loss. May the strength and warmth of family and friends help you through this most difficult of times.
Dear Mary and all the family. It was our pleasure to have shared in Bernie’s joy of life. Bernie was such a positive, happy soul that to be around him, one could not help to be touched by his warm and generous spirit. We will miss Bernie but be grateful that we had the opportunity to know him. Our love, thoughts and prayers are with all the family.
I will miss Bernie. Especially his smile and humor. He always waved over when he was cutting his lawn or working on his yard which he took great pride in making look great. He was a really nice neighbor and just a great guy. My thoughts and prayers are with his entire family.
So sorry to hear of Bernie’s death. I worked at Rundbaken for about 4 years and Bernie was a great boss and friend.
My sincere condolences to Bernie’s family and friends.
Bernie will be remembered by me for the joy and
good times he always carried with him, especially
when around Peter, Laura and Mike, my very good
friends.
marc hess
LAURA, PETER AND FAMILY – MAY HIS BEAUTIFUL MEMORY CARRY YOU THRU THIS SORROWFUL TIME. I HOPE KNOWING YOUR FRIENDS ARE THINKING OF YOU AND PRAYING FOR YOU, WILL ALSO HELP TO START THE HEALING. GOD BLESS YOU ALL.