Bernard J. Anderson

Bernard J. Anderson, 93, of Danvers, died on Friday, December 15, 2023. Bernie was a quiet and humble man. He was born on February 7, 1930 in a simple depression era farmhouse in Camrose, Alberta to his American born parents, Lyman and Margaret. Bernie and his large family moved back to the United States from Canada during the dark early days of WWII and settled on a small farm in Auburn, Washington. From an early age, he worked setting type for the Auburn Globe-News, earning his way through the Jesuit College of Seattle University. He later completed post-graduate study at Northeastern University and MIT. He met his wife Betty Moore, a redhead from Peabody, in 1953 while on a trip to the east coast. They were married soon thereafter and spent their first years together in Fort Knox, Kentucky while Bernie served in the Army. They returned to New England and settled in Danvers where they raised their family. Bernie spent more than 40 years with General Electric of Lynn. A mechanical engineer specializing in jet turbines, he witnessed firsthand and contributed significantly to the transformation of a relatively primitive device of the early 1950s, to the refined passenger jets that we take for granted today. Bernie has many patents in his name, and was inducted into the General Electric Hall of Fame. An avid runner, he completed several Boston Marathons and also raised money biking from Mexico to Canada, along with numerous Massachusetts biking pledge drives. He was an enthusiastic tennis player, active throughout his 80s. He often traveled back to Washington, where he spent time backpacking and kayaking in the Pacific Northwest with his family. During his retirement, he and his wife traveled the world. To keep busy, he constructed a large woodworking shop in his backyard, where he created dozens of stunning furniture pieces for his home, and those of his children. Bernard was a family man who generously supported and was interested in the various activities, sports, and circumstances of his children's and grandchildren's lives. He quietly held court at family gatherings and showed love for his family with constancy and good humor. Bernie is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Betty Moore Anderson, and his children: Karl Anderson of Boston; Paul Anderson of Lynnfield; Katrina O’Leary of Rowley, married to Thomas O’Leary, grandchildren Elisabeth, Erin, and John; Julie Holladay of Hamilton, married to Paul Holladay, grandchild Grace; Betsy Baird of Hamilton, married to Kevin Baird, grandchildren Winter, Greta, Adelaide and Colvin; and his brothers Ronald Anderson and Myron Anderson. Bernard was predeceased by his daughter Margaret Alice, sister Dolores, and brothers Orland and Leo. May Bernard rest in peace, knowing that those that love him will continue his legacy into the future. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary of the Annunciation Church, 24 Conant St., Danvers on Tuesday, January 16, 2024 at 10:00 AM. Burial Services are to be private. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Kaplan Family Hospice House via www.caredimensions.org.