Bernard N. Ziemski

Jericho, VT/Green NY

Bernard N. Ziemski, a resident of Greene, NY and currently of Jericho, VT died peacefully in The Vermont Respite House with his family by his side on August 4, 2010 at the age of 87.

He was born in Webster, MA on January 27, 1923 son of the late Stanley and Lillian Ziemski. He attended St. Mary’s Preparatory School in Orchard Lake, Michigan and graduated from Bartlett high School in Webster in 1941.

Bernard enlisted in the United State Army where he served in the European Theater of Operations from 1942 – 1946. Returning home, he married Esther Catherine “Kit” Kasierski, his wife of 63 years. He continued to pursue his degree from St. Anslem’s College and graduated with honors in 1949. He began a career as a journalist and was employed as a state reporter for the Worcester Telegram and Gazette while completing his M.A. at Clark University.

In 1951, he joined the faculty at Greene Central School where his passion for teaching high school students English and History turned into a lifelong career of 36 years. During this time, his love of humanities made it possible for him to be selected a John Hay Fellow, granted by the Ford Foundation. This fellowship allowed him to spend a year with his family at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. In addition, numerous summer grants afforded him the privilege of studying at Cornell, Colgate and Vassar.

In 1955, he attended Middlebury College where he was a participant in the Bread Loaf School of English Writers’ Conference. It was here that he had the honor of meeting and studying under Vermont poet, Robert Frost. Although Mr. Ziemski received numerous educational accolades, what mattered most was his family and country. His love of both was second to none.

Bernard leaves his wife Esther Ziemski of Greene, NY and daughter Jill Ziemski and her partner Lisa McKeithen of Jericho, Vermont. His three brothers Stanley Jr., Robert and Carol also predeceased him.

Bernard’s keen sense of humor and ability to tell a story endeared him to many. His kindness and compassion touched many lives. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

It was Bernard’s request that there will be no calling hours or funeral services. There will be a family gathering for his committal at Saint Joseph Garden of Peace in Webster, MA. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Greene Emergency Squad or a charity of your choice. The family is being assisted by A. W. Rich Funeral Home, 57 Main Street, Essex Jct., VT 05452. The family invites you to share your memories and online condolences by visiting www.awrichfuneralhomes.com.

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I –
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
- Robert Frost