Obituary of Shirley S. Bernacki

With great sadness we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Shirley (Staskelunas) Bernacki, on May 12, 2025. Shirley was the loving wife of Henry P. Bernacki who passed away in 1998. She was the daughter of the late Edward and Margaret (Klisus) Staskelunas. 

Shirley was born and raised in New Britain and was an NBHS graduate. In her early years, Shirley worked at Birnbaum’s and the New Britain School District before raising her 4 sons. Later, Shirley worked at Sir Speedy Printing and Bridal World. She was also an election poll worker for many years.

Shirley was an active volunteer and member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority and St. Maurice Church. She also served on the NBHS Class of 1953 reunion committee for many years and was an active booster of the NBHS baseball team.

Shirley was an extremely devoted mother, grandmother (Gma) and great-grandmother (GG). Her pride and joy was her family and attended their family gatherings, numerous sporting & musical events, high school & college graduations and weddings. Her greatest joy was the births of her great-grandchildren. Known for her baking, Shirley’s goodies were always a hit.

Shirley was an avid reader and, along with her husband, enjoyed traveling. They were enthusiastic UConn football and basketball fans dating back to the 1970s. When not at a basketball game, Shirley religiously watched UConn on TV.

Shirley leaves behind her loving family including: four sons, Mark (Maria), Peter (Charlene), Michael, Joseph (Maureen), eight grandchildren, Mark (Valerie), Marybeth (Bryan), Joseph (Jessica), Jeffrey (Allison), Corey (Ben), Matthew (Colleen), Krystin (Colin), Kaitlyn (fiancee Alex), and her eight adored great-grandchildren: Calvin, Beckett, Andre, Brielle, Nathan, Hallie, Naomi and Scarlett, her sister Patricia Coyle (Roger), and sisters-in-law Jean Staskelunas, and Joan (Chuck) Veranis and several nieces and nephews. 

Shirley was predeceased by her brother, Edward Staskelunas II, great-nephew, Edward Staskelunas IV and niece, Shirley (Veranis) Henning. 

Relatives and friends may attend calling hours at Farrell Funeral Home at 110 Franklin Square, New Britain on Monday, May 19, from the hours of 4:00-7:00pm. Funeral services will be held at the Farrell Funeral Home on Tuesday, May 20 at 9:30am followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Maurice Church at 10:30am. Burial will be at St. Mary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, kindly make donations in Shirley’s name to the Bernacki Family Trust at the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain, 74A Vine Street New Britain CT 06052.