Bernard C. Machia

BAKERSFIELD- Bernard C. Machia, age 83, passed away on Saturday, April 1, 2023, at the Copley Hospital in Morrisville.

He was born in Bakersfield on January 15, 1940 to the late Bernard H. and Della (Britch) Machia.

Bernard was a lifelong resident of Bakersfield and graduated from the Brigham Academy in 1958. Shortly after graduation, he joined the United States Army from 1959-1962 where he was stationed in Germany. Upon his honorable discharge he returned to Bakersfield and within a few short years married Janet Tillotson on November 14, 1964. The two lived in Enosburg for some time and then made their forever home in Bakersfield. Bernard was a skilled lineman and manager, he worked for the Village of Enosburg from 1962-1989 and retired from the Village of Stowe after 15 years serving as their manager in 2005. Even in retirement Bernard kept himself busy and continued working part time for Bond Auto, O'Reilly Auto Parts, and the Jolley in Bakersfield.

Bernard was a proud member of the American Legion Post #42, a member of the VPPSA for 43 years, and was also an original member of the Bakersfield Fire Department.

In his younger years, Bernard enjoyed coaching little league, women's softball, and umpiring; Bernard and Janet also enjoyed bowling and going to Silver Ridge dancing on Saturday nights. Bernard was an avid hunter and fisherman, he looked forward to teaching his grandkids how to fish and spending time with them on the lake in his fishing boat. He liked tinkering at home, keeping a meticulous lawn, taking trips to the casino, cheering on the Red Sox, and will be remembered for his sarcastic, dry sense of humor.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Janet Machia of Bakersfield; children, Jackie Daviau and her husband Steven of Swanton, and Shaun Machia and his wife Emily of Enosburg; cherished grandchildren, Isaac, Marisa, and Rowen; and siblings-in-law, Lee Tillotson and his wife Susan of Bakersfield, and Kathy Bokori of Enosburg. Besides his parents, Bernard was predeceased by his mother and father in-law, Martha (Phelps) "Martie" and Wendell "Barney" Tillotson; brother-in-law, Tom Bokori; and niece, Megan Fitzgerald.

Family and friends are invited to Bernard's life celebration events on Thursday, April 6, 2023 to include visitation from 4-6:00PM followed by a funeral service at 6:00PM at The Goss-Spears Life Celebration Home, 96 Dickinson Ave., Enosburg Falls, VT 05450. Bernard's committal will be in the Maple Grove Cemetery in Bakersfield at the convenience of his family.

Condolences, photos and favorite memories may be shared through www.gossfs.com