On May 9, 2025, Bernard James Waters, loving husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully in Fairfield, CT. He is survived by Jean, his wife of 54 years, three daughters, Carolyn (Eddie Weihe), Kristine (Jared Schmitt), and Laura Jean, three grandchildren Nora, James, and Holly, and his brother John and family. Bernie was the son of Nora (Marrinan) and Bernard Waters.

Born in Manorhamilton, County Leitrim, Ireland to previously naturalized parents, Bernie's entrance to the United States was via the last ship that made it across the Atlantic at the outbreak of World War II. As a child, the family lived on 138th street in the Bronx, where they welcomed into their home countless aunts, uncles, and cousins as they emigrated from Ireland.  When Bernie was 8 years old, his father passed away, and he quickly became head of the household. He began working at a young age to help his mother make ends meet - collecting scrap metal, selling and collecting newspapers, selling flowers on the street corner for holidays, and delivering hats from the Garment District. It was at this young age that he developed an appreciation for the value of a dollar, his sense of integrity as a businessman, and that he became determined to be fully self-sufficient, providing for both himself and his family.

Bernie graduated from Cardinal Hayes High School at the age of 16 and then began working full time at Federation Bank in Manhattan. While at his job, printing requested checks off microfilm, the president of the bank asked Bernie where he was going to college. He replied, saying he wasn't going to college - he couldn't afford that.  The bank president offered to have the bank pay his tuition, and so Bernie enrolled in a 6 year night school program at Fordham University, ultimately earning his B.S in Accounting in 1962.

Bernie began his career in investment banking on Wall Street at Drexel, an investment firm that later merged with Harrimann Ripley to become Drexel Harrimann Ripley. Soon after, Bernie joined the Fordham Wall Street Association and eventually served as its president. He remained at Drexel until 1975, when he took a position as the Head of the Municipal Bond Department at the Connecticut Bank and Trust Company in Hartford, CT. His career continued to flourish, climbing the ranks until he was ultimately appointed to the position of Executive Vice President, where he was responsible for the bank's investments and operations. Eventually, Bernie and Jean moved to Southport, CT, where he continued to work in the bond business. Throughout his career, Bernie conducted business with the highest level of integrity, stating: "I'd never allow a client to invest in a bond that I wouldn't invest in myself."

As a young man, living in the Bronx, he joined the Knights of Columbus and, eventually, became a Fourth Degree knight. He enjoyed skiing at Windham Mountain, purchasing and refurbishing a small house in the area. Summers were spent on the Jersey shore and in the Hamptons, where he met Jean in 1970. They married in 1971 and bought their first home in Hampton Bays three months later. Over the years, they divided their time between that home and various other residences—first an apartment in Forest Hills, then a house in West Hartford, and eventually their home in Southport. Together, they raised three daughters, of whom he was deeply proud. Throughout his life, Bernie was a dedicated DIY'er, taking pride in the care and maintenance of his homes.

While he was a passionate businessman who was always excited by his work, he never allowed work to take him away from his family. Bernie was a devoted husband and father, preferring to spend his free time with his family. In his daughters, he instilled the same uncompromising work-ethic, humility, and integrity that guided him throughout his life. One of his greatest joys was countless visits with his children and grandchildren, especially taking them out on the family boat and watching them play at the beach throughout the years.

Family will receive friends on Sunday, May 18th from 2:00PM to 6:00PM. A Mass of Resurrection will be held at St. Rosalie's Church on Monday, May 19th at 10:30AM.  A burial in Good Ground Cemetery will follow the mass.

Irish American Society of the Hamptons Service - 3PM