Swansea Bernard M. Bernie Grabert , 97,of Swansea, died Thursday, March 8, 2018 at Charlton Memorial Hospital.

He was the husband of the late Lorraine (McKenna) Grabert, and the late Helen(Preble) Grabert.

Bernie was born in Providence a son of the late Herman and Mary (Goulart) Grabert Sr.

Mr. Grabert, was a Steward for the Bristol Yacht Club, for many years before retiring.

Bernie was a US Army Veteran serving as Corporal during WWII, as a paratrooper. He was awarded the Bronze Star for his service.

Mr. Grabert has lived in Swansea for over 20 years, coming from Bristol. Bernie was a parishioner of St. Francis of Assisi Church.

He was a Ham Radio operator since the 1940s using the call letters W1TBY.

Mr. Grabert was a member of the American Legion, and the Bristol Yacht Club.

Bernie, is survived by his children Stephen Grabert of Bristol, and Patricia Wiesenhahn of Lexington Kentucky, his step children Charles, Stephen, Ronald, Cheryl and Paula. He was the grandfather Ryan and Josh Grabert.

He was the grandfather of 6, and the great grandfather of 6, also the step grandfather of 7.

Mr. Grabert was the brother of the late Vincent Grabert, and the late Herman Grabert Jr.

His funeral will be held THURSDAY March 15, 2018 at 8:30am from the SMITH FUNERAL and MEMORIAL SERVICES, 8 Schoolhouse Road, Warren, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00am in St. Francis of Assisi Church, 530 Gardners Neck Road, Swansea. Burial with Military Honors will follow in St. Marys Cemetery, Chestnut St., Bristol.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Calling hours are WEDNESDAY from 4-7pm.

Gifts in his memory may be sent to the ASPCA, 424 E. 92nd St., New York, NY, 10128-6804.

www.wjsmithfh.com