Obituaries

Leo Berard

Sep 29th, 2017

Leo Berard
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Leo Berard, 82, of Yarmouth Port, passed away peacefully at home on September 29, 2017 after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease.
 
Born in Waltham, MA, he was the oldest son of Joseph and Angeline Berard.  Leo was a beloved husband, brother, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.  He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Anne Heanue Berard.  Also left to cherish his memory are his siblings Rene Berard (Donna) of Chambersburg, PA, Lillian Groux (Tom) of Chatham, MA, Pauline Laughrea (Jim) of Sandwich, MA and Simonne Berard of Waltham, MA, and children Kathy Berard O’Donnell of Plymouth, MA, Tom Berard (Doris) of Harwich Port, MA, Rick Berard (Cathy) of Pismo Beach, CA and John Berard (Gina) of Crestone, CO.  Leo was also blessed with 13 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.
 
Upon graduation from UMASS Amherst, Leo served his country as an officer in the Air Force.  He then embarked on a long career as a telecommunications executive, beginning at New England Telephone, forerunner to Verizon.  He retired as Vice President of Carrier Services.  Never one to sit still, after moving full-time to Cape Cod, he and his wife Anne founded Buyers Brokers of Cape Cod.  A consummate leader, Leo went on to become President of the National Association of Exclusive Buyer Agents (NAEBA).
 
Leo’s outgoing personality and friendly disposition allowed him to develop many life-long friendships.  He loved Cape Cod’s special geography and unique collection of towns.  He took pride landscaping his Yarmouth Port home, enjoyed keeping tabs on the ever changing Cape weather and was known to frequent many of the Cape’s ice cream establishments. Golf was also a passion as he was a longtime member of Cummaquid Golf Club.  Each winter he enjoyed traveling south to his second home in Naples, FL at the Glades Golf and Country Club.
 
Family and friends may call at the Hallett Funeral Home, 273 Station Ave., South Yarmouth, MA on Tuesday, October 3, 2017  from  4-7 P.M.  A funeral Mass will be held at Sacred Heart Chapel, Summer St. Yarmouth Port, MA on Wednesday, October 4, 2017 at 10:00 A.M.  Burial will follow in Woodside Cemetery, Summer St., Yarmouth Port, MA.                  
 
Memorial contributions in Leo’s name may be made to the National Parkinson Foundation. 
 
The family would like to thank those in the local medical community, including employees at Cape Cod Hospital, Dr. James Reimer, the dedicated staff at Professional Nurse & Home Care of Cape Cod and the VNA nurses, for their kind and compassionate care.  We are also grateful for the many people who have provided support and friendship to Leo over the recent years.

Guest Book

Thomas Early
#22
Friday - Oct 6, 2017 12:00 am

I always said I was lucky to not have won the election when I ran against him. He was the right man at the right time. He was my friend and someone I could always count on for the best advice. Tom Early

Peggy Lance Little
#21
Wednesday - Oct 4, 2017 12:00 am

As the seventh president of National Association of Exclusive Buyer Agents (NAEBA), I appreciate all Leo did to advance the cause of showing buyers of homes how they could get real representation in their transactions. He was a consummate leader: quiet, dignified, thoughtful but willing to speak his mind when necessary. He always had a ready smile and helped to make every life richer. We shall miss him! Blessings to the family, Peggy Lance Little

Janet Hagan
#20
Tuesday - Oct 3, 2017 12:00 am

I remember Leo with so much fondness from our relationship in NAEBA. He was an outstanding leader and will be missed by all. I send my love and regards to Anne as well.

Stephanie Berard
#19
Tuesday - Oct 3, 2017 12:00 am

Rest in the sweetest peace, Papa. I will always cherish our many happy memories!

Aurora Cammarata
#18
Monday - Oct 2, 2017 12:00 am

Kathy, Ricky, Tommy and John: Sending you our deepest sympathies and condolences to your family and especially your mom. Many Cammaratas spent lots of fun times - play dates? - at your home over the years. And we all remember those good times with great fondness. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. Best, Aurora

Ann Floyd
#17
Monday - Oct 2, 2017 12:00 am

Our tangible world has lost a bright light. Leo and Anne were instrumental in assisting me in setting up the first Buyer Agency on Martha's Vineyard. Not only did I treasure their advice, but their friendship was so special. I send my sincere condolences to Anne and theilSTERIA family.

Rona JS Fischman
#16
Monday - Oct 2, 2017 12:00 am

Leo's dedication, kindness, warmth, and integrity changed my life. I would have left real estate after a year, had Leo not shown me how to do the business with honest, personal service. My heart breaks for all of us, that Leo is gone. Love, especially to Anne and the rest of his family.

Marilyn and Dan Nugent
#15
Monday - Oct 2, 2017 12:00 am

A wonderful individual a fabulous life. Sincerest condolences.

Jonathan Boyd
#14
Monday - Oct 2, 2017 12:00 am

Leo was a great leader and a great friend. He made wonderful contributions to our industry and will be missed in our profession. Our prayers are with the family.

Stephen Carpenter-Israel
#13
Monday - Oct 2, 2017 12:00 am

Dear Anne and Family of Leo, So many of us in the Buyer's Brokerage world are deeply grateful and thankful for Leo's vision and service. He was so kind, thoughtful and full of vigor. A true renegade, coupled with gentility that seems far removed and above the frays of today. Love to All, Stephen Carpenter-Israel President Buyer's Edge Company, Inc.

Ronn Huth
#12
Monday - Oct 2, 2017 12:00 am

I was saddened to hear of Leo's passing but confident he is now in a better place. I will always remember Leo as a man of kindness, passion, and focus. As part of the Buyer Brokerage community I got to know Leo and Ann in the early days of his presidency of the Massachusetts Association of Buyer Agents and later as the found president of the National Association of Exclusive Buyer Agents. Leo was an inspiration as a person and a helpful mentor to many of us who followed his leadership in the Buyer Brokerage community. Leo and Ann were a wonderful team loved by so many. Their home has always been warm and welcoming and I have personally benefited from my visits and lodging there. Leo will be missed and his memory a blessing.

Mike and Eve Alexander
#11
Monday - Oct 2, 2017 12:00 am

Leo Brevard was really one of the "good" guys. I served with him for many years on NAEBA BOD and always thought that he was a special person. We all just loved him...and Anne. So sorry for everyone's loss. Mike and Eve Alexander

Ken Reid
#10
Monday - Oct 2, 2017 12:00 am

As a true leader, Leo was pivotal in establishing our movement. He was respected, and held in high regard, by fellow practitioners and clients. My condolences to family and friends. With Warmest Regards, Ken Reid Broker, Buyer's Broker of Arizona President/Treasurer, NAEBA Referral Services Inc.

Andrew Show
#9
Monday - Oct 2, 2017 12:00 am

Leo and Anne gave so many of us in real estate their wisdom, support, guidance, and love. Our first President of The National Association of Exclusive Buyer Agents... his passing is a tremendous loss to all of us throughout the United States. Our thoughts and prayers are with Anne and the entire family at this time. My heart aches yet I am a far better person in this life for knowing him and his beloved Anne. Godspeed Leo... Godspeed.

Charles & Clara Burrows, Hawai`i
#8
Saturday - Sep 30, 2017 12:00 am

Our deepest sympathy is extended to you, dear Anne, as well as your `Ohana (family) at this time of grief and may each of you find comfort and strength in the "Pools of Blessings" that collect from the rain (tears) and may treasured memories help to keep beloved Leo forever close to all. (Ps. 84:6) Me ke aloha pumehana ke Akua (sent with the warmest aloha of our Loving God), Cousin Clara Alida & `Ohana

Charles & Clara Burrows, Hawai`i
#7
Saturday - Sep 30, 2017 12:00 am

Our deepest sympathy is extended to you, dear Anne, as well as your `Ohana (family) at this time of grief and may each of you find comfort and strength in the "Pools of Blessings" that collect from the rain (tears) and may treasured memories help to keep beloved Leo forever close to all. (Ps. 84:6) Me ke aloha pumehana ke Akua (sent with the warmest aloha of our Loving God), Cousin Clara Alida & `Ohana

Toni and Jim Miller
#6
Saturday - Sep 30, 2017 12:00 am

Anne, Rosemary called us with the sad news about Leo's death. Our hearts and prayers go our to tyou and your family. What a privilege is has been knowing Leo. We enjoyed our golf outing with the two of you in Naples, and thoroughly enjoyed working on the UMass 50th Reunion committee (and the 55th). Leo had the knack of getting people to do things they didn't think they could do. He will be sorely missed. With love . . . .

Patricia M Bradley
#5
Saturday - Sep 30, 2017 12:00 am

We are all saddened to learn of Leo's passing. The UMass Amherst Cape Cod Alumni Network was profoundly impacted by his generous volunteer work and warm and engaging manner. We send our condolences and love to his wonderful family and extensive cadre of friends. We will miss Leo but we will always have his wonderful smile to help us remember him and brighten our day.

Jim and Pauline Laughrea
#4
Saturday - Sep 30, 2017 12:00 am

Leo was a very special man. Above all else, he was a family man who cherished his wife, children, grand children, great grand children, all of his siblings and their spouses, and nieces and nephews. He always looked forward to family get-togethers. He will be missed by the countless relatives and friends whom he touched during his very rewarding lifetime. Pauline and I will miss him very much but we are happy that he will not have to suffer any more earthly pain. He will always be with us and be in our thoughts and prayers every day. We love you and miss you, Leo --- Jim and Pauline CALLE (He will always be one of Pauline's HEROS.)

Fred Barry
#3
Saturday - Sep 30, 2017 12:00 am

Leo was my pal for nearly 30 years. Very sad about losing him. He was a gentleman's gentleman.

Glen and Donna Beasley
#2
Saturday - Sep 30, 2017 12:00 am

We will remember Leo's gracious generosity as a neighbor. He included everyone in his many adventures. As a result this was a better neighborhood. Dating back to the days of New England Telephone Leo will also be remembered as a great friend. Our thoughts and prayers are for Anne and his family.

Matthew Groux
#1
Saturday - Sep 30, 2017 12:00 am

God bless you Uncle Leo! Prayers for you, Aunt Anne and your entire family. You were a loving and generous Uncle! Thank you for showing me by your example of how important 'family' is. Love and prayers Matt Groux

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