Obituary: Bernard Denis Saulnier, 87

Bernard Denis Saulnier, 87, of Natick, MA passed away peacefully in his home he built in 1964 surrounded by his loving family on March 18th, 2026. He was born on October 4, 1938, and raised in Watertown, MA. Bernie is survived by his four children, Yvette Saulnier of Natick and her partner John of Beverly, Denis Saulnier and his wife Katerina of Somerville, Eric Saulnier and his wife Ann of North Attleboro, and Celine Saulnier and her husband Tony of Decatur, GA, his two granddaughters, Lucienne and Vivienne Lemieux of Decatur, GA, his brother and sister-in-law Paul and Nancy Saulnier of Holliston, his nephews Daniel Saulnier and his wife Dana of Lyme, NH, and Philip Saulnier and his wife Courtney of Medfield, and numerous loving relatives including the Pizzi family and his extended family in Nova Scotia. He was predeceased by his devoted wife, Linda Pizzi of Belmont, parents Charlotte and Denis Saulnier of Watertown, and sister Frances Saulnier of Watertown.

Bernie (“Deda” by his family) graduated from St. Mary’s High School in Waltham and obtained his BS degree in Civil Engineering from Northeastern University in 1962. He went on to be Vice President and head civil engineer for L&R Construction before transitioning to water well management for DL Maher and Cascade Environmental. He was well-respected by those who worked with him, and many of his commercial buildings in and around Boston are still in use today – a testament to his expertise. Always one to give back to his community, Bernie contributed construction to the Natick Community Farm (where he was gifted his third pet goat, “Goatrude”), West Suburban Arena’s “Rink 2,” and along with his brother Paul, the Broadmoor Audubon Sanctuary. He also led the South Natick Junior Rifle Club where he traveled with local children to compete at sporting clubs around the Commonwealth.

Bernie met the love of his life, Linda, while she was working at Anita’s donut shop in Belmont. With the help of his brother and father, he spent three years building her dream house in Natick over nights and weekends. They married on October 8, 1966, and moved into their forever home where they raised their family and became prominent members of the community. Together, Bernie and Linda supported local campaigns by hosting election events in their home. Some may remember seeing his orange pick-up truck driving throughout town as he placed signs on lawns.

Bernie was happiest putting the whole family in his canoe on weekends to explore the scenery of the Charles River or sledding at Stigmatine Seminary. Neighbors loved stopping Bernie while he and the family walked the neighborhood or Lake Waban with his beloved goats. After work he was often seen mowing his perfect lawn, a coveted landmark of Woodland St. He cherished listening to his sons’ bands play live music at local clubs, watching his daughters figure skate, and getting together with his childhood buddies in Vermont, a tradition passed onto their sons. He and Linda loved traveling, whether visiting relatives in Nova Scotia, taking romantic trips throughout Europe, or joining friends and extended family on Cape Cod. He was a favorite with both staff and patrons at local establishments including the Station 5 Grille, Chateau Dudley, Agostinos, and the Morse Tavern where he earned his own place on the menu – “Bernie’s Haddock.”

Bernie’s relatives and friends are invited to attend his wake on Tuesday, March 24th from 4:00 to 8:00pm at George F. Doherty & Sons, 477 Washington Street, Wellesley.

Funeral services will be held at St. Patrick Church (www.natickcatholic.org/) in Natick at 44 East Central Street on Wednesday, March 25th at 10:00am followed by a celebration of his life at the Natick Elks on 95 Speen Street (https://natickelks.org/) from 1:00 to 5:00pm on March 25th.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in Bernie’s memory to the Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary through Mass Audubon (www.massaudubon.org/places-to-explore/wildlife-sanctuaries/broadmoor/support).

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