Bernard J. Kaminski

Dr. Bernard J. ‘Ben’ Kaminski, 82, of Jaffrey, NH died on Sunday, March 29, 2015 at the Monadnock Community Hospital in Peterborough, NH after a period of failing health.

Bernard was born on June 19, 1932 in Salem, MA, son of the late Bernard Z. and Marion (Rosinski) Kaminski. Dr. Kaminski graduated from Salem High School in 1949. Following graduation from Salem High School he attended Newman Preparatory School in Boston and the University of Massachusetts - Amherst (where he was a notable basketball star). During the Korean War, Dr. Kaminski left UMass and served in the U.S. Army. While in the service, in 1953, Dr. Kaminski married Gloria LeBel, also of Salem, MA. After his service Dr. Kaminski returned to UMASS Amherst and in 1958 earned his B.S. in Physical Education.

Upon graduating Dr. Kaminski, Gloria and their first child moved to Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Canada where Dr. Kaminski had been hired as Head Basketball Coach and Assistant Professor of Physical Education at the University of Saskatchewan. While in Saskatoon their second child was born. The family returned to the U.S. in 1960 so that Dr. Kaminski could pursue a master’s degree and in 1961 he received his M.Ed in Education from Springfield College in Springfield, MA. He then became the assistant principal at the Holliston Junior/Senior High School in Holliston, MA. In 1964 he moved with his wife Gloria and their two young daughters, Kathryn and Karyn, to become the Principal of Conant High School in Jaffrey, NH. Dr. Kaminski was principal at Conant High School for two years before leaving to complete his doctoral studies in educational leadership at Boston University in Boston, MA. While engaged in his doctoral studies Dr. Kaminski was a faculty member in the Education Department at Franklin Pierce College in Rindge, NH.

Dr. Kaminski was awarded a Doctorate of Education in 1973 from Boston University in Boston, MA. After obtaining his PhD in Education, Dr. Kaminski returned to his alma mater, Salem High School, Salem, MA, and for over 20 years held a position as a Guidance Counselor. For a number of years he also continued teaching educational leadership courses at Salem State College.

Throughout his life Bernard was both athletic and artistic. He was a notable athlete at Salem High School, excelling in basketball and baseball, playing on the varsity teams, and receiving several recognition awards for both sports. In Jaffrey, Bernard gave tennis lessons, a sport he took up in college. He was an organizer and participant in the Annual Jaffrey Tennis Tournament, often hosting tournament games on his home court.

In his young adulthood Bernard expressed his affinity for the coast through oil paintings of clipper ships and seascapes. Over many years he transformed the home property in Jaffrey with beautiful landscaping; building stone walls and a fish and frog pond with a trickling waterfall; planting unusual shrubs and trees, flower beds and a rose garden; placing statues and benches in thoughtfully designed settings; and creating niches and views that evoke peace and tranquility.

Survivors include his loving wife Gloria of 62 years, his two daughters Kathryn Kaminski of Jaffrey and Karyn Kaminski of Alstead, NH, two grandsons, Timothy and Russell Putnam and their father Jeffrey Putnam of Alstead, NH; one brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Kathleen Kaminski of Litchfield, CT, and nephew Robert John (RJ) and niece Laura; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Dr. Richard LeBel and Dr. Janice LeBel of Salem, MA; niece Dr. Alyssa LeBel (Kaye) and husband Dr. Edward Kaye, and great-nephew Dimitri Kaye of Marblehead, MA. Other family includes great niece, Amy Cavillo and her husband Robert, and great-great nephews John Robert and Weston Cavillo of South Hamilton, MA.

At Dr. Kaminski’s request, there will be no calling hours and services will be at the convenience of the family.

"Benny,” “Ben,” “Uncle Bernie,” “Dad” and “Grandpa Ben” will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered by his family and friends as a vibrant, eloquent, and loving man whose bright and inquisitive mind always filled the room. He will be remembered for his respect, and genuine interest, in all those whose lives he touched. His grandsons will remember his spontaneous nature and the fun they had with him for many years. The happiness they experienced when they were with him will live on in their hearts forever.

Because education was so important to Dr. Kaminski, his family has established a Memorial Scholarship in his name to be awarded to a graduating senior, from Conant High School, who will be furthering their education. Please consider a memorial contribution in his memory to the Dr. Bernard J. Kaminski Memorial Scholarship Fund. A donation can be made by stopping in at any TD Bank location or mail a donation to TD Bank, 100 Main Street, Keene, NH 03431.