Westhampton, MA – Westhampton, Rev. Dr. Bernard J. Fleury Jr., 94, passed away after a long illness on September 4, 2026. He was born on June 14, 1932, in Northampton, the son of the late Bernard J. and Flora (King) Fleury Sr. he attended local parochial schools in Easthampton, and a graduate from the former St. Michael's High School in Northampton, Class of 1949. He earned an Associate of Arts degree in Classical Languages from St. Charles College in Maryland, a Bachelor's of Arts degree in History, a Master's of Science degree in Elementary Education, with a minor in Philosophy, and a C.A.G.S in Educational Administration from the University of Massachusetts in 1953. In 1954, Bernard became engaged to the love of his life, Ludmila "Lida" K. Healey, whom he had met as a teen in the 4-H Grange. They wed on August 27, 1955, and in 1957 they had a son Edward. From 1953 to 1962, Bernard was the elementary teacher-principal of East Whately Grammar School in Sunderland. In 1962, Bernard took a leave of absence from his job to pursue an ED. D. at Umass. In 1966, his daughter Amy was born. In 1968, he graduated with an Ed.D. in Administration, with a minor in Government. He joined the faculty of Westfield State College (now University) as Assistant professor in the Education Department, in 1968, to teach Philosophy of Education and to serve in the Teacher Training program. He taught for thirty-three years in both the Undergraduate and graduate divisions as Director of School Administration at Westfield State University, retiring in 1993 as Professor Emeritus and remained as a Corporator in the Westfield State University Foundation. He served as Director of Teacher Education, Academic Vice President, and President Pro Tem at the International College of the Cayman Islands over a sixteen-year period. Bernard was a member of the first class of Ordained Catholic Permanent Deacons in 1983, and remained as active Deacon until the beginning of his illness. He was a self-taught Equestrian and preferred the western style of riding. Bernard and his mustang "Flicka" were a dynamic duo. One of his favorite stories that he liked to tell was that as a newly married couple, who had just moved into their newly built home in Easthampton, his wife Lida and Bernard had a choice to make. They had enough money for a living room set or to build a barn for "Flicka". "Flicka" received her new barn. Bernard and Lida sat in recliners until they saved up money for a living room set. Bernard was an avid gardener and horticulturist. He could make anything grow. He was the "go-to-man" for problems with plants. Bernard is survived by his wife of 71 years Lida K. Fleury, his son Edward B. Fleury and his wife Jacalyn, his daughter Amy and her wife Patricia, his Grandson DanielJ. Fleury and his husband Mike, his sister Dolores Tower, his brother Frank and his wife Ruth, and his sister Celest Mszanski. A Catholic mass will be held Monday September 14, 2026 at Our Lady of the Valley Parish, 33 Adams St. Easthampton, Ma. A Calling hour will be from 10-11am in the church, followed by a funeral mass at 11AM. Burial will be in the St. Brigid's Cemetery in Easthampton. The O'Brien Funeral Home 17 Clark St. Easthampton, ma has been entrusted with all of the arrangements. Memorial gifts can be made to Our Lady of the Valley Parish, 33 Adams St. Easthampton, Ma 01027. The family of Bernard would like to thank the fourth floor Nursing and CNA Staff of the Regal Care in Greenfield for their dedicated and compassionate care throughout Bernard's Illness.
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Rev. Dr. Bernard J. Fleury