Bernard "Bernie" W. Pelech
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Bernard W. (Bernie) Pelech, 72, of Portsmouth died unexpectedly on Tuesday, October 12, 2021.
He was born on May 11, 1949 in Hinsdale, NH to Bernard P. and Pauline Lernatowitz Pelech.
Bernie was a 1967 graduate of Hinsdale High School. He received his B.A. from the University of New Hampshire in 1971 and his J.D. from New England School of Law in 1978.
After graduating from the University of New Hampshire, Bernie served the city of Portsmouth for 8 years as a teacher at the New Franklin Elementary School and as an 8-year member of the School Board. Shortly after the birth of his daughter in 1976, he enrolled in the New England School of Law in Boston, attending classes at night, while teaching sixth-grade during the day.
After graduating from law school in 1978, he became a member of the NH and ME Bar Associations and a partner of Wholey and Pelech Law Office with his father-in-law, John J. Wholey. In that office, he supported the community for 40 years, eventually specializing in land use, zoning, and real estate acquisition law. He appeared before local and land use boards in excess of 2,000 times, obtaining approvals for numerous commercial and residential development projects of all types, including the Portsmouth Regional Hospital. In 2018, he joined Bosen & Associates and continued his work supporting local land use and zoning projects.
When not practicing law, Bernie was an avid fisherman, a gourmet cook, and a fine wood worker. He loved spending time with his wife, children, and 6 grandchildren. Despite living in New Hampshire his whole life, he was an avid fan of the New York Yankees, a love he shared with his son, John, and his grandchildren. Well-loved by many local youth baseball players, he coached various teams including Little League, Babe Ruth, American Legion, and AAU. He was also a long-term member of the Portsmouth Elks. He enjoyed vacationing in his favorite fishing spots: Pine River Pond, Key West, and the Miramichi River in New Brunswick. Just last month, he claimed the title for the longest lake trout ever caught in Lake Champlain, a 38.75" mammoth.
Bernie was preceded in death by his parents, Bernard and Pauline, and by a sister, Josephine Qualters.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 50 years, Shawn Wholey Pelech; his sister, Terri Rubeor, and brother-in-law, Roger Rubeor, of Dover, NH; his sister-in-law, Gail Wholey, of Portsmouth; his son, John, and daughter-in-law, Jenna, of Greenland, NH; daughter, Cate, and son-in-law, Roshen Menon, of Newton, MA; two nephews, two nieces, and six grandchildren.
Services: A time of visitation will be held from 4-7PM on Tuesday, October 19 at the J. Verne Wood Funeral Home - Buckminster Chapel, 84 Broad Street, Portsmouth. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10AM on Thursday, October 21 at the Immaculate Conception Church of Corpus Christi Parish, 98 Summer Street, Portsmouth, followed by a procession through downtown Portsmouth. Interment will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: The John J. Wholey Scholarship Fund c/o Trustees of the Trust Fund, 1 Junkins Ave, Portsmouth, NH 03801. For online condolences, visit: www.jvwoodfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the direction and care of the J. Verne Wood Funeral Home - Buckminster Chapel