Bernard R. Loranger, 82
Bernard R. Loranger, aged 82, of Fairhaven, MA, passed away peacefully on December 24, 2025, at his son's home in Marion,surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of Christine Lodge, and the son of the late T. Theodore and M. Constance (Letendre) Loranger of New Bedford.
In addition to his wife, Bernard is survived by his loving daughter and son-in-law, Catherine (Loranger) and David Cooper of Lakeville; his beloved son and daughter-in-law, Christian and Aileen Loranger of St. John, USVI; his stepson, Andrew Lodge and his wife, Sarah, of Aspen, CO; his step-daughter, Meredith Smith and her husband, Justin, of Fairhaven; his adoring grandchildren Naomi Cooper, Nolan Cooper, Blythe Loranger and Lirin Loranger; his step-grandchildren, Ruthie Smith, Stella Lodge and Cameron Smith; and his brothers, Robert Loranger and Theodore Loranger; as well as several dear cousins, nieces and nephews.
Bernard attended St. Anthony's Grammar School and Holy Family High School in New Bedford, MA, before enlisting in the US Army National Guard. He served in the First Battalion, 211th Field Artillery from 1964-1969 as an MOS Forward Observer, Fire Direction Officer and Battery Commander, earning the rank of 1st Lieutenant.
Bernard was a member of the Sheet Metal Trade Local 501 in New Bedford, initially working for Universal Roofing and Capeway Sheet Metal, and eventually entering into a partnership to establish and operate Grelor Mechanical Associates in East Freetown as proprietor. In his later years, he worked for Cranlor Company.
Bernard was known by many names over the years such as Ben, Beno, and Bernie, but his favorite, by far, was Pépère. He was at his happiest when with his family. He never missed an athletic event, recital, play or concert and loved to keep up with the lives of his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed socializing with members of every generation, whether meeting new friends at his favorite restaurants with his sweetheart, Christine, or partying with his son and daughter and their friends. He greatly enjoyed boating on Buzzards Bay and Long Pond, snow skiing and après ski activities in the mountains near North Conway and reading books or watching movies about WWII and U.S. Presidents. He created wonderful memories for so many at the cottage on Long Pond and was a past member of the Beach Club Water Skiers' Association. Bernard made a lasting impact on others by sharing his loving personality, his sense of humor and his smile.
Calling hours for Bernard will be held at the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home For Funerals, 50 County Road in Mattapoisett, on Friday, January 2, 2026, from 4:00 to 8:00 P.M. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Anthony of Padua Church, 1359 Acushnet Avenue in New Bedford, on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at 9:00 A.M., please meet directly at church, followed by a Committal Ceremony at the Riverside Cemetery, 274 Main Street in Fairhaven, MA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bernard's name to St. Jude Children's Hospital. For directions and guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.
