Bernard Pelkey

Bernard "Bernie" Pelkey, 90, of Kensington, husband of Mary (Gelmini) Pelkey, passed away on Tuesday, June 5, 2012. Born in Island Falls, ME, he was the son of the late James and Delvina Pelkey. Bernie was a U.S. Marine Corps Veteran of World War II, serving in Guadalcanal, Kenya, Saipan, and Tarawa, where he was wounded and later awarded the Purple Heart. He moved to Kensington in 1945 and was formerly employed at Rogers Sash and Door for 38 years, retiring in 1987. He was later employed at Roger's Marketplace for 13 years where he was well known for his friendly and outgoing personality. Bernie was a member of St. Paul Church, the VFW and the Knights of Columbus. He was an avid Red Sox Fan. Above all, Bernie adored his grandchildren. Surviving are his wife Mary (Gelmini) Pelkey; a son, Gregory Pelkey and his wife Clarice of Kensington; a brother, Ronald Pelkey and his wife Betty of Bath, ME; two grandchildren, Gregory Pelkey and his wife Alison, Jeffrey Pelkey and his wife Kristen; and four great-grandchildren, Samuel, Henry, Emma and Madison. His family would like to thank the staff at Walnut Hill Care Center for the loving care extended to Bernie. Funeral services will be held on Saturday at 9:00 AM at Erickson-Hansen Funeral Home, 411 S. Main St., New Britain followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM at St. Paul Church. Burial, with military honors, will be in Maple Cemetery. Calling hours are Friday from 5-7 PM at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Paul Church, 485 Alling St., Kensington, CT 06037.