Beloved Bromfield teacher and mentor, world traveler
George Bernauer. (Courtesy photo)
Longtime Bromfield language teacher and world traveler George Bernauer died peacefully at his home on Nov. 13, 2020.
George was born in Madison, Wisconsin, to George and Helen Bernauer on Aug. 5, 1941, to pursue a life filled with curiosity, humor, and kindness.
After completing secondary education, he attended Georgetown University and spent a year abroad in Lille, France, which led to a lifelong love and enthusiasm for French culture. He earned his Bachelor of Arts and master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin, Madison. Undertaking his postgraduate work at Yale, he acquired his affinity for the East Coast, settling in Harvard, where he became a beloved teacher and mentor to countless students.
His treasured vocation of instructing young minds in foreign languages, and all the benefits attached to mastering them, started in 1973 at the Bromfield School, and lasted for 30 years, until his retirement. He was a trustee of the Bromfield Trust for 38 years, several of them as president, and was instrumental in negotiations with the town to make Old Bromfield the town library.
His love of learning contributed to his hunger for traveling the world to explore international culture, cuisine, and the human experience. Always evident in his colorful recounting of countless explorations was his good-natured sense of humor and wit.
He is survived by his sisters Mary Ericson (Jon), of Coronado, California; Anne Bernauer of Duluth, Minnesota; a niece, nephew, grandniece, and his friend and caretaker Ismail Kalagala.
His absence will be deeply felt by many.
Those wishing to send a memorial are asked to make a donation to your charity of choice in George’s memory
.
