William A. Bernardi, 68, of Framingham passed away August 2nd after a courageous year long battle with cancer. Born in Framingham, he was the son of the late Americo and Carmella (Manzi) Bernardi and husband to Kathleen (Kimball) Bernardi. They were married for 47 years. A life long resident of Framingham, Mr. Bernardi graduated from Framingham High School, Class of 1961. He was a Lance Corporal in the United States Marine Corp. serving from August 1961 to June of 1964. In 1970 Mr. Bernardi joined the Framingham Fire Department and earned an Associate Degree in Fire Science. After 30 years he retired as Deputy Chief in July of 1999. He also worked for the Framingham School Department Transportation Office (Busses). In his years of retirement he was an avid fisherman with his buddies Skipper and Chuck; a member of the American Legion in Ashland, and a devoted father and grandfather. He loved coaching and watching his grandsons play baseball and soccer. His influence and wisdom will be missed by his three grandsons. Besides his wife Kathleen, he leaves his daughter Debbie Bernardi and Tim Oakes and their son William Oakes (Will); his son Bill and wife Christy and their sons Nicholas and Jack; two sisters, Joanne and her husband Tony LaPoma of Braintree and Virginia Salkowski of Virginia; many aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews. He also leaves his many friends and the brotherhood of firefighters. A funeral Mass will be said on Monday morning August 6th in St. Bridgett's Church, Rte 9, Framingham at 10:00 am. Calling hours will be held on Sunday from the Matarese Funeral Home, 325 Main St. Ashland from 2-5pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Framingham Heart Study, 73 Mt. Wayte Avenue, Suite 2 Framingham, MA 01702-5827 or The Wounded Warriors Project, P.O. Box 758517 Topeka, Kansas 66675. For directions and on-line condolences, please go to www.mataresefuneral.com.