Bernard “Bernie” F. McFadd, age 85, of Hingham, passed away peacefully on August 11th. He was the beloved husband of Susan (McLaughlin) McFadd; devoted father of Christina Roberts of Hingham and Douglas McFadd and his wife, Tara, of Cape Elizabeth, Maine; and cherished grandfather of Lawson, Reid, and Carys Roberts, and Dylan and Lucas McFadd. He is also survived by his brother, Edward McFadd, and his wife Elizabeth of San Diego, California and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Bernie was predeceased by his parents, John and Ethel McFadd, and brothers John and Richard McFadd.
A proud graduate of Boston English High School, Bernie earned his undergraduate degree from Norwich University before completing Officer Training and commissioning into the U.S. Army as a Second Lieutenant. He rose to the rank of Captain after serving in the Third Armored Division as a tank commander in Germany and later in the Army Reserve.
Following his military service, Bernie began a lifelong career in education and mentorship—first as a teacher and later as a guidance counselor at Dedham High School, where he was dedicated to helping students discover and pursue their career aspirations. He also inspired student-athletes as coach of the track and field team. Along the way, he earned two masters degrees from the University of Massachusetts —one in guidance counseling and another in instructional design.
A passionate aviator from a young age, Bernie earned his private pilot’s license, commercial and instrument ratings, and floatplane certification. He piloted seaplanes for Bayside Air Service, flying across the Cape and islands, and flew sightseeing tours over Martha’s Vineyard in a vintage biplane for Classic Aviators. For many summers, he served as station manager for Cape Air, Provincetown-Boston Airlines, and several other commuter airlines based out of Logan Airport.
Bernie’s interests extended far beyond aviation. He was a voracious reader of history and an active member of the scholarly Friday Evening Club. He loved music—playing banjo for friends and family, and ukulele with the Hingham Senior Center Ukulele Club. A skilled craftsman, he spent many years restoring wooden boats with the Kingston-based Jones River Association. A curious and adventurous traveler, Bernie explored much of the world with Susan, with Hawaii holding a special place in their hearts.
Bernie will be remembered for his kind and generous spirit, boundless curiosity, quick wit, and gift for storytelling—a legacy that will be treasured for generations.
A memorial mass celebrating Bernie’s life will be held on Monday, August 18th at 10 a.m. at Glastonbury Abbey, 16 Hull Street, Hingham. A reception will follow on the grounds of the Abbey. In lieu of flowers, a donation in Bernie’s name may be made to Glastonbury Abbey.
