Bernard “Bernie” Bieder

DATELINE: Warwick

Bieder, Bernard “Bernie,” 97, died Saturday, January 23, 2021 at LivGenerations Ahwatukee in Phoenix, AZ. He was the beloved husband of the late Audrey (Benzion) Bienenfeld Bieder and the late Harriet Farber Bieder. Born in Fall River, MA, a son of the late Emil and Sonia (Ostroff) Bieder, he was a lifelong Warwick resident. Bernie was the owner of the former Peoples Department Store until 1984. He was a WW-II Army veteran, earning a Purple Heart from a shrapnel injury. Known as “The Honey Man,” Bernie had his own apiary, was the former head of the RI Beekeeping Society, and tended hives around the state. He collected and made prizewinning honey and taught people the art of preparing honey. He was a member of Congregation Or Chadash and the former Temple Am David.

Devoted father of Jeffrey Bieder of Ithica, NY, Susan Greco and her husband, Steven, of Gold Canyon, AZ, and the late Janet Sollitto and her surviving husband, Al. Treasured step-father of Linda Cherney and her husband, James, of Wheat Ridge, CO, Steven Bienenfeld and his wife, Jean, of Cranston, RI, and Carol Mitchell and her husband, Thomas, of Sarasota, FL. Dear brother of Doris Gandelman of Greenville, RI. Loving grandfather of Jeremy, Marc, Erik, Heather, Allison, Leslie, David, and Michael. Cherished great grandfather of 8. Dear uncle of Beth Gandelman and Bruce Gandelman.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the Ronald McDonald House, 45 Gay St., Providence, RI 02905.  Shiva will be private. For online condolences, please visit ShalomMemorialChapel.com.

Guests were invited to attend the funeral virtually via Zoom on Sunday at 11:30 a.m. To view a recording of the service, please Click Here.

13 Comments

  1. Ellen Gourse
    Jan 28, 2021

    To the Bieder

    I was sorry to hear of Bernie’s passing from my neighbor Al on Monday. Bernie was a friend of my late father-in-law Sam Gourse.

    I remember when two years in row we had giant beehives in our front yard and Bernie came to take care of them. We watched for inside the house as he dismantled them.

    My thoughts and prayers are with the family.

    Ellen Gourse

  2. Laura Pisaturo
    Jan 28, 2021

    Our sincere condolences to the entire Bieder families. Bernie was a dear friend. We enjoyed spending time with him and have many wonderful memories.

    May his name be a blessing. He certainly was to us.

    Laura Pisaturo & Maria Tocco (& Happy)
    Warwick neighbors

  3. Paul Moverman
    Jan 28, 2021

    I was very saddened to learn of Bernie’s passing today. My late Dad and Bernie were very close friends going back long before I was born. Bernie was the Best Man at my parent’s wedding in 1950 and that closeness continued for 60+ years! Each time I was visiting Bernie I would learn something, whether about music, his bees and honey and even about computers. I will miss his warm personality, smile and friendship. My heart and prayers are with all of his family at this difficult time.

    May his memory be a blessing.

    Paul Moverman
    Milford, NH

  4. Gretchen P Needham
    Jan 30, 2021

    Was saddened to read today that Bernie has died. I first met him at the Pawtuxet Farmer’s Market, was always delighted to see him. In fact, I still have a jar of his honey! He was a great man, may he rest in peace.
    Gretchen P Needham
    Cranston, RI

  5. Susan Wood
    Jan 30, 2021

    I was Bernie’s bassoon teacher for many years. He was an interesting man and fun to teach.

  6. Pamela C Mann
    Jan 30, 2021

    I was saddened to learn of Bernie’s passing. Please accept my heartfelt condolences. I hope your treasured memories help you through this difficult time and my his memory always be a blessing.

  7. Al Demirjian
    Jan 30, 2021

    Jeff, Susan and Family: Sorry to read of Mr. Bieder’s passing. I recall riding the bus as kids with Jeff, David and Alan for a shopping trip to People’s and Trader Dick’s…Somehow, our shopping bag always ended up with more in it than what we bought. That spoke to Bernie’s generosity. He also convinced us that bees were our friends. Many life’s lessons shared. What a great guy. Condolences to all. RIP Bernie.

  8. Steven Stycos
    Jan 30, 2021

    What sad news. Bernie was a fixture at the Pawtuxet Village Farmers Market. He loved to give honey sticks to the kids and chat about bees, and he often sold out of his honey. I enjoyed his company and have missed him at the market in recent years.
    My condolences to his family and friends.

  9. STANLEY FREEDMAN
    Jan 30, 2021

    My condolences to Cousin Susan and Steven or your loss.
    May you be comforted.
    My DAD, MIKE, WAS YOUR GRANDMOTHER FANNY’S BROTHER.

  10. Tina Ledo
    Jan 31, 2021

    To the Bieder Family,
    I am so very sorry to hear of Bernie’s passing. I first knew him as The Honey Man at the Pawtuxet Farmers Market. Everyone loved him there and we all signed a huge birthday card for him one year. Then I got to know Bernie when he came to volunteer at The Ronald McDonald House. He always showed up with a smile and was truly interested in talking with all of us. I always loved listening to Bernie’s stories. He was so kind and generous and he loved sharing his honey with us. He had a love-hate relationship with the paper shredder! He was such a kind-hearted person and he will be missed by so many.

  11. candy hisert
    Jan 31, 2021

    You helped get my Katie back on her feet. Thank you!

  12. Roland DiOrio and Robert Paquette
    Jan 31, 2021

    It was with great sadness that we learned of Bernie’s passing. He was a wonderful person, a great neighbor and a trusted friend. He taught us much about gardening and life and we are truly thankful for having known him. As caretaker of his beloved begonias, I am doing everything to keep them alive and to continue his legacy. Our sincerest sympathy to the Bieder and Bienenfeld families for their loss. Thank you for all you have done for Bernie and may he rest in peace knowing how he was loved.

  13. Ron Newman
    Feb 4, 2021

    To The Bieder Family,

    I met Bernie several years ago at the RI Farmer’s Market. Bernie was a wonderful individual who was loved by anyone who met him. I love how he would talk about his bees and honey to anyone. He always had a smile on his face and always seem to make friends with everyone. Bernie was the kind of person you will never forget. He will truly be missed.

    Ron Newman

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