Bernard Kasparovich

Bernard “Peanut” Kasparovich passed away at 95 on May 6, 2018.

He was born on Jan. 21, 1923 to Vincent and Helen (Bahdan) Kasparovich in Springfield, Vermont. An older sister, Helen, and her husband Ray, were early influences on and supporters of young Bernard.

A graduate of Springfield High School, Peanut was a star athlete for legendary Cosmos coach Curt Dressel, who was a mentor and father figure to young Peanut. After high school he joined the United States Navy, where he served on the U.S.S. Patrol Craft Escort 874 in the Pacific during World War II. Though he never saw the Pacific Ocean again after his service concluded, he retained a life-long love of the sea.

Peanut returned to Vermont after the war, and thanks to the G.I. Bill, pursued and received a bachelor’s degree from St. Michael’s College. Around the time of his graduation from college he also acquired his prized Studebaker convertible.

Living in Springfield and working at Bryant Grinder, where he would stay until his retirement, Peanut met and married the love of his life, Margaret Sharkey. “Peg” and Peanut raised four beautiful daughters at the home he built on Canary Court. Those daughters, in turn, gave “Papa” the eight grandchildren he and Peg spent considerable time doting upon. Peanut was fortunate enough to see the family tree expand even farther, with those grandchildren providing an additional nine great-grandchildren. Margaret predeceased Peanut in 2005; as she passed away he was by her side.

Peanut was the living embodiment of the words of his favorite author, Louis L’Amour: “A great book begins with an idea; a great life, with a determination.” He lived a great life, he will always be loved, and he is dearly missed.

Peanut is survived by his daughter Michele “Micky” Blair and her husband Cliff of Claremont, New Hampshire; Kathy Bolaski and her husband David of Springfield; Lynn Lashua and her husband Gary of Springfield; and Sherry Kasparowicz of Springfield.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Springfield Health and Rehabilitation Center for their kindness, empathy, and patience. There will be a small graveside service for family at a later date, when Peanut and Peg will be laid to rest the same way they lived – together.

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