The Early Years

James J. Duffy, 1887 - 1954

Our family has always been a part of this community. We believe the Blackstone Valley is a special place. We want the families in the Blackstone Valley area to think of us as both a valuable resource, friend and close advisor when you need us most.

The J. J. Duffy Funeral Home was established in 1912 as a "Store Front "operation by James J. "Joe" Duffy and his wife Ardelia (Borden) Duffy.  Mrs. Duffy was a first cousin to the infamous "Lizzy Borden" of Fall River, Massachusetts. The operation changed in 1936 when he moved to a larger facility just two hundred fifty feet up the street from 309 Broad Street to 292 Broad Street. Even though many funerals were still conducted out of private residences he felt that the larger facility was the way of the future and would be an immense improvement.

Joe was well known for his many activities around the town such as supporting and sponsoring local baseball teams. It was said by many that he brought in ringers from the Boston Red Sox and the former Boston Braves to play in some of the larger Sunday games he sponsored.  He was also known to host  "Hot Dog Roasts" for the neighborhood.  Joe also had one of the only telephones in the area, so when there was a fire in the area people would call him to relay the message to the fire department on the next block.  He was also one of the first to have a radio and would set up speakers and chairs on the lawn so neighbors could come over and listen to the ballgames, major boxing matches and the like.  In addition he was also known to be a very kind and generous benefactor to many.

Continuing A Legacy of Caring

Francis J. Smith, 1912 - 1984

Joe Duffy died in 1956, Francis J. Smith and Anna (Thompson) Smith continued operating the funeral home for Ardelia Duffy for a few years until they purchased the funeral home from her in 1958.  Francis J. Smith was a local boy who worked around the funeral home since the age of seven.  At the end of World War II he enrolled  in the New England Institute, Boston and earned his license and became a fulltime employee.  His dedication to funeral service and desire to assist those in their darkest hour seemed to be his calling.  He and his wife expanded the funeral home in 1966 doubling public floor space.  They along with his brother Edward worked together to make the funeral home the success it was.

Fran as he was known by many worked tirelessly for years, many times canceling vacation plans so he could serve a family in need.  While his brother Edward never obtained his license he was an invaluable asset to the organization; his retirement in 1974 left a void which needed to be filled.  Francis' son in law,  Dennis Bernardo then began working for Mr. Smith.  Dennis received his Funeral Director/Embalmers License in 1975.  Their relationship was one of mutual respect and confidence in each other, which made the work place an extremely pleasant environment for both.

Our Family Serving Your Family

In 1979 Dennis Bernardo and Karen A. (Smith) Bernardo purchased the funeral home from Francis and Anna Smith.  The Bernardo family remains as the current owners of the J. J. Duffy Funeral Home.  Dennis Bernardo also being born and raised in Cumberland learned first hand from Mr. Smith what dedication, service and caring mean to the community and the families they serve.

In 1985 the Bernardo family began making plans to move to a new location in town.  Those goals were finally realized when the operation was moved to its current location on December 13, 1987. This facility while only two miles away from the original location is what we would call a "WORLD AWAY".  The facility boasts seven thousand square feet on one level, providing easy access to the handicapped and with up to four chapels and parking for over 150 automobiles.  The several acres of land that the property sits on provides ample room for future expansion.

At present sons Brian and Jeffrey are involved in the operation as Fulltime Licensed Funeral Directors/Embalmers.

Brian D. Bernardo, is a Cumberland High School Graduate and a 1996 Graduate of Mt. Ida College/New England Institute in Newton Centre, Massachusetts.  In 2001 Brian was recognized by the RI Funeral Directors Association for his participation at the State Medical Examiners Office in assisting with the Egypt Air tragedy.  In 2003 he was recognized by the RI Funeral Directors Association for volunteering his time at the Family Assistance Center following the Station Nightclub Tragedy.  Brian is married to Jennifer (Hooper) Bernardo and they have two children Brandon and Kassidy Bernardo. They currently reside in Cumberland.  Besides funeral service, Brian is busy with raising his family and engaged in his children's interests among them baseball and hockey.  The family also enjoys camping and camping trips.

Jeffrey D. Bernardo, is a Cumberland High School Graduate and 2001 Graduate of the School of Funeral Service at Lynn University, Boca Raton, Florida. Jeff graduated with a BSBA (Bachelor of Science in Business Administration) and  ASFSE (Associate in Funeral Service Science).  Jeff resides in Cumberland. Jeff is the Web Site design administrator for the funeral home. He has developed and continues to maintain and update our website as the technology changes. 

During the past decade funeral service has seen major changes from government regulation to a change in consumer preferences.  The Bernardo family, being up to the task has instituted many new programs and services.  After Care Programs, non casket company sponsored Memorial Tree Program, On Staff Director of Education and Counseling, Seminars and Public Speaking Programs on all topics of funeral service and grieving for Church, Civic and Healthcare organizations including Public and Private Schools. Also Annual Memorial Services and annual donations of books to the Cumberland Public Library in order to build a resource of information on death and dying available to everyone.

The Bernardo family is proud to offer it's latest service to the families they serve, a "Memorial DVD Keepsake" program. Memorial DVD Keepsakes are custom made memorial DVD productions designed to help honor and remember the life of a loved one.  Memorial Keepsakes combine photographs of the deceased with music, custom scenery and text, which honor that life.  It is part of our continuing effort to personalize every funeral.  The DVD is also available on our website for review.

Our goal:  To provide the service, value and dignity when you need it most.