William Jesse Bernard, 87, of North Branford, beloved husband of 56 years to the late Joan (Sussman) Bernard, died peacefully Aug. 9 at his home. William was born Nov. 15, 1925 in Mt. Vernon, New York to the late Henry and Anne (Fuchs) Bernard. 

He served his country faithfully in the United States Navy during World War II and attended Purdue University. William was the owner of M&G Wines and Liquors in Manhattan from the early 1950’s until 1971, he owned The Indoor Gardener in Coral Gables, Florida, from 1973 -1988, and then worked at Yale University from 1990 until his retirement in 1999.

He is survived by his sons Andrew Bernard of Charlotte, North Carolina and Christopher Bernard of Woodbridge; his daughter Lisa Torres of Guilford; his grandchildren David Bernard of Litchfield, Matthew Bernard of Bloomfield, and Anna Torres and Jason Torres of Guilford; and his brothers  Frank Bernard of Radnor, Pennsylvania and Peter Bernard of Old Saybrook. He was predeceased by his wife Joan in 2007.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, Aug. 13 at 11 a.m. in the North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue, North Haven, with his son Cantor Andrew Bernard officiating. Interment will follow in Northford Cemetery. There will be no visiting hours. www.northhavenfuneral.com