Bernard “Bernie” Diana, 80, of North Haven, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 30, 2022, at Regency House, Wallingford with his family by his side. Bernie was born in New Haven on November 1, 1941, and was the son of the late Bernard A. and Elizabeth I. Geremia Diana. He served his country faithfully in the US Navy and later earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of New Haven. Bernie was the owner and operator of the former Strand Theatre in Hamden, was the manager of West Cove Marina in West Haven and later was a commercial realtor at Levey, Miller & Maretz in Woodbridge. Dedicated to his service to his country, Bernie volunteered at many veterans’ organizations. Father of Chris Diana and his wife Keri. Grandfather of Nicole, Skylar, Logan, and Kaelyn. Brother of Phillip Diana, Agatha Diana, and Kathleen Diana-Reily. Also survived by his loving companion Barbara Chock.
The visiting hours will be on Monday, April 4th from 9:30 to 11:30 AM at The Havens Family, North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated in St. Elizabeth of the Trinity Parish at St. Therese Church, 555 Middletown Avenue, North Haven at 12 noon. Interment with full military honors will follow in All Saints Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Educated Canines Assisting with Disabilities, 149 Newfield Road, Winsted, CT 06098.
Barbara,
My condolences on Bernie’s passing. I have fond memories of growing up in North Haven with Bernie coaching and officiating youth basketball.
He was kind, fair and enjoyable to be around. Please know that you will remain in my daily thoughts and prayers.
Stay safe and well.
John Vigliotti
NHPS Retired
I loved Bernie and will always remember the great times we had growing up. He always had a story to tell and it always made you laugh. He was the life of the party and enjoyed himself wherever he went. I will miss him dearly. RIP dear Bernie🙏🙏🙏
Bernie was a good Legion friend to my dad, Dominic Falcone. He was very kind and considerate. He will be missed. May he rest in peace.
I am saddened with the news of Bernie’s passing.. He has been a dear friend for many years and his passing will be such a loss for us all. I offer my sincere condolences to the family . With much Love’ and Sorrow Patti Mathieson
I am so sorry for my friends , Kathy, Agatha and Phil. My heartfelt feelings go out to you all. he was always so sweet to my family . May Bernie rest in peace and say hi to my family in heaven. Love and prayers, Patty Glynn
VERY sorry to learn of Bernie’s passing. So many great memories shared by so many. He will be dearly missed. Condolences to the family.
My Deepest Sympathy to Christopher and family.
I have known Bernie for 30 years , he was always a gentlemen , kind spirited and a pleasure to be around.
He will be missed.
Bob Motley
So sorry to hear of Bernie’s passing he was a good friend and a wonderful customer .He will be missed . R IP Bernie
I was sad to hear of Bernie’s passing. He was my hero growing up and as stated above he could light up a room or event with his bigger than life personality. Many great memories of spending time with Bernie and Agatha. I learned to hit a bottle cap with a broom stick from him, and let me tell you if you could do that a baseball was nothing. My condolences to the family: Agatha, Phillip, and Kathy. He will always be the Mayor of North Haven.
My condolences to family. I remember him fondly as a classmate of mine in 1959. We also shared the same birthday. Rest In Peace.
Barbara
Jack and I always enjoyed being in Bernie’s company. A very interesting person. And we know you have been very good to him. I have many memories of Bernie when we were in high school together.
May he Rest In Peace.
Take care Barbara
My deepest condolences to the family. Bernie always had a smile and a story. He will be sincerely missed.
Chris….Our sincere sympathies to you and your family.
Rest in Peace Bernie
RIP Bernie, you were a pleasure to work with
So sorry for your loss. My Dad Anthony Matteis always enjoyed talking football with Bernie.
Our VCH, Veterans Coffee House meets monthly at the Wlfd Senior Center which not only gives our Vets the chance to socialize but also take part in enjoying a guest speaker which are related to military topics, slide presentations and Q&A. At this very difficult time, our group would like to honor the loss of Bernard Diana as a fallen brother. Our military Veterans send out their heartfelt condolences to the Diana family and friends. As an Navy Veteran, he had joined an elite group of honorable men and our Country will forever be in his debt.