Bernard Bieder, 97

WARWICK, R.I. – Bernard “Bernie” Bieder died Jan. 23 at LivGenerations Ahwatukee in Phoenix, Arizona. He was the beloved husband of the late Audrey (Benzion) Bienenfeld Bieder and the late Harriet Farber Bieder. Born in Fall River, Massachusetts, a son of the late Emil and Sonia (Ostroff) Bieder, he was a lifelong Warwick resident.

Bernie was the owner of the former Peoples Department Store until 1984. He was a WWII Army veteran, earning a Purple Heart from a shrapnel injury. Known as “The Honey Man,” Bernie had his own apiary, was the former head of the RI Beekeepers Association and tended hives around the state. He collected and made prizewinning honey and taught people the art of preparing honey. He was a member of Congregation Or Chadash and the former Temple Am David.

He was the devoted father of Jeffrey Bieder of Ithaca, New York; Susan Greco and her husband, Steven, of Gold Canyon, Arizona; and the late Janet Sollitto and her surviving husband, Al. He was the treasured stepfather of Linda Cherney and her husband, James, of Wheat Ridge, Colorado; Steven Bienenfeld and his wife, Jean, of Cranston; and Carol Mitchell and her husband, Thomas, of Sarasota, Florida. He was the dear brother of Doris Gandelman of Greenville. He was the loving grandfather of Jeremy, Marc, Erik, Heather, Allison, Leslie, David and Michael. He was the cherished great-grandfather of eight. He was the dear uncle of Beth Gandelman and Bruce Gandelman.

Contributions in his memory may be made to the Ronald McDonald House, 45 Gay St., Providence, RI 02905.