Bernard W. Regan

Scarborough, Maine- Bernard William Regan, 75, of Scarborough Maine passed away early in the morning on Sunday, (March 18th, 2017) at home after a nearly triumphant battle with cancer. Bernard was born in Haverhill, Massachusetts, on November 18, 1941 into the strong embrace of his Italian mother Mary, an extraordinary home-maker and cook, and his iron-willed Irish father, James Regan a die-hard Red Sox fan who delivered milk by horse early in life. Although Bernard did not become a big sports fan he was passionate about food and besides frequenting most of the better restaurants in the area, was quite talented in the kitchen himself. In fact, if you had to decide to join him in a restaurant or eat at the house- smart money always chose the home-cooked meals. Bernard graduated from the Haverhill High School in 1959. Surviving are many friends and family including his constant companion Cindy Campbell; his eldest son Scott J. Regan, of Scarborough, Maine, wife Pamela and his grandchildren Cassidy and Colby; a daughter, Holly A. Regan, also of Scarborough Maine, former husband JayDee Beaulieu, and his grandchildren Jack and Savannah; his son Ted W. Regan, and his beloved granddog Reach; and the mother of Bernards three children and former wife Janice M. Regan, of Westbrook, Maine. In addition Bernard is survived by his two brothers: Dennis, wife Karen and his nephews Matthew and Michael; James, and wife Janet and nephews Larry and Rodney. Bernard was predeceased by his sister Cathy Cerasulo of Haverhill; survived by her husband Angelo and his nephew and niece, respectively, Angelo 3rd and Kelly. His two sons attended and graduated from Cape Elizabeth High School while his daughter graduated from Scarborough High School. Bernard Regan began his professional career early at 19 as an assistant manager at FW Woolworths, the original Five Dime. Quickly his hard work, attention to detail, acerbic wit and tireless ambition paid off- he was recognized with a store of his own in Winchester, MA at the age of 22. Within a decade, and after a dizzying number of relocations, Bernard was offered the opportunity to relocate to Portland, Maine and after briefly managing the store on Congress Street opened the anchor store at the Maine Mall. He would say often he knew then hed found a new home and would never leave Maine. Although not a native he was embraced by many; most of which are probably learning only in this obit that he wasnt from Maine. Aside from the occasional out-of-state vacation he never left Maine. His career in retail also included Wal-Mart, LL Bean and Lowes- only retiring last November. Bernard was active in community; he was an early President of the Maine Mall Merchants Association; was a strong voice for the South Portland Chamber of Commerce, serving as Vice President in the late 70s; he organized and lead the charge to eradicate the restrictive blue laws and change the name of Payne Road to what is now known as the Maine Mall Road. He had a wicked sense of humor and was no stranger to practical jokes including throwing departing assistant managers into the old water fountains they had at the Mall upon graduating from his tutelage. He also organized the annual Maine Mall ping pong drops- vouchers on ping pongs dropped from a helicopter into the Mall parking lot to thousands who would gather every year. But mostly Bernie was known by many: family, friends, employees, customers and visitors to Maine as that guy in the pressed shirt, immaculate suit and spit-shined dress shoes who stood, seemingly day and night, at the front of the F.W. Woolworth store paying attention to every detail and available at a moments notice to solve any problem. All three of his children, and many of their friends, had the great pleasure of working for him, learning early and often the benefits of hard work and the consequences of showing up late. There will be no funeral services, as was his wish. Arrangements are under the direction of the Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home, 172 State Street, Portland. Family and friends are invited to join Cindy and his family as they raise a glass and share Best Bernie Stories at Dimillos Floating restaurant on Saturday, April 29th from 12:30-3:30pm. One of Bernies favorite parting words were: Ill see you when I see you. Indeed.