BLACKSTONE/MANCHAUG, Mass. - Thomas S. “Tommy” Bernier, 34, of Blackstone and Manchaug, died Friday, Feb. 17 at home, with his loving family and friends at his bedside.

He leaves his beloved wife, Holly A. (Pires) Bernier; his cherished daughter, Violet; his father and mother, Richard L. and Gail A. (Dodds) Bernier of Manchaug; his sisters, Kimberly Bernier of Manchaug and Mindy Haynes of Webster; his sister-in-law, Nicole Pires of Uxbridge; his nephews and niece, Freddy, Abby and Alex; and many beloved family friends.

He was born in Worcester and attended Northbridge schools, and graduated from Blackstone Valley Regional Technical School, where he studied to become a chef. Tommy, also affectionately known as “Pooka” and "Tommy Boy” worked as an industrial equipment painter at Cumberland Manufacturing for the last several years, before not being able to continue due to his illness. He was a wonderful cook, especially his desserts. When asked what he could bring to a party or family event, the answer was always the same, “Dessert!!” His Crème Brule was divine! He had a long love of cars, owning several Mustangs and always trying to fix them up. He enjoyed taking things apart and attempting to put them back together. He loved to make people laugh and could be found videotaping the crazy things he would do to get the laugh. He enjoyed swimming and loved being with family, especially the center of his world, Holly and Violet.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Tommy’s family on Tuesday, Feb. 21 from 5 to 8 p.m. in the Britton-Shrewsbury Funeral Home, 648 Main Street, Shrewsbury. A service celebrating Tommy’s all too short life will be held on Wednesday at 11 a.m. in the funeral home, followed by burial in the Saint Joseph's Garden of Peace, Webster.

Instead of flowers, please honor Tommy with a contribution to Violet’s educational fund, c/o Nicole Pires, P.O. Box 572, North Uxbridge, MA 01538.

To share a message of condolence or a memory of Tommy, visit www.brittonfuneralhomes.com.