Bernard N Larsen

Portland- Bernard N. Larsen, 88, of Forest Ave, died peacefully on Tuesday, February 20, 2018, with his loving family by his side. Bernie was born in Portland, Maine on May 24, 1929, the son of the late George C. and Esther R. (Madden) Larsen. He attended local schools and graduated from Deering High School in the class of 1947, where he was captain of the football team and was known as "Wolf Jr.". He continued his education at the Gorham Normal School, now the University of Southern Maine. On June 20, 1953, he married the love of his life Dorothy A. Delaney. Together they made their home and raised their family in Portland. Bernie began his career at Moran's Market on outer Forest Avenue in the early 1950's, he and Dorothy purchased the market in 1956. He dedicated his entire life to the market and was well known by many people in the neighborhood. When times were tough for families, Bernie was known to extend credit to customers in order for them to make sure their family was fed. He loved his many customers whom he considered his extended family. Bernie and Dot were well known for hosting many of the Portland Firefighters from across the driveway, to join them for holiday meals. He was a longtime member of the Woodfords Club, American Legion Harold T. Andrews Post, and the American Grocers Association. In his spare time he loved to play golf and poker. He was an avid sports fan and a strong supporter of the Boston Red Sox's, New England Patriots, and Clemson University, not to mention the many local sporting teams. He and Dot enjoyed many winter trips to Florida and spending time with family and friends at the family camp on Highland Lake. Bernie was fortunate enough, last summer, to attend his seventieth high school class reunion. Bernie's greatest love was the time he spent surrounded by his family especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Bernie's children described him as great, wonderful, the best, compassionate, helpful, a mentor, and a caring person. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Judy Larsen for taking great care of our father, and for your love and support. Bernie was predeceased by his wife Dorothy Larsen in 2012; a sister, Dorothy A. Moran; and a brother, George Larsen. He is survived by a daughter, Krista and her husband Kevin Lynch of Scarborough; three sons, Peter N. and his wife Cathy Larsen of Portland, Paul C. and his wife Nancy Larsen of Raymond, John E. Larsen of Windham; twelve grandchildren, Erin Lynch, Kyla Murphy, Kelly Sheridan, Alison Austin, Lauren Delbridge, Shannon Larsen, Martin Larsen, Leonard Larsen, Mary Larsen, Christian Larsen, Erika Smith, and Neal Larsen; eight great grandchildren, Avery Murphy, Rose Murphy, Sebastian Larsen, Griffin Murphy, Milly Austin, Wade Austin, Hunter Delbridge, and Haven Larsen; caregiver and special friend, Judy Larsen of Windham. Visiting hours and celebration of Bernie's life will be held on Friday, February 23, 2018, from 2:00 to 4:00pm and 6:00pm to 8:00pm at the Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home, 172 State Street, Portland, Maine. A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, February 24, 2018, at 9:30am at the Trinity Episcopal Church, Forest Ave, Portland. Burial will follow in Brooklawn Memorial Park, Congress Street, Portland. To view Bernie's memorial page, or to share an online condolence, please visit www.ConroyTullyWalker.com Those who wish may make contributions in Bernie's memory to: The Barbara Bush Children's Hospital, Maine Medical Center, 22 Bramhall Street, Portland, ME 04102