Bernard John Papania, Sr.

Bernard “Bernie” John Papania, 91, of Gulfport, Mississippi, passed away on October 23, 2025.

Born on June 17, 1934, in Gulfport, Bernie was a lifelong resident who loved his hometown and the people who filled it.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Estelle; his youngest son, Kevin; his parents, Leon and Nellie Papania; his twin brother, Bennett Papania; his sister, Alice (Paul) Carruba; his brothers, Luke (Sue) Papania, Joe (Callie) Papania, Leonard (Katherine) Papania, Andrew (Dottie) Papania, Eugene (Polly) Papania; and his great-granddaughter, Lilly Daughdrill.

He is survived by his daughters, Cheryl Fricke and Karin (Bill) Caswell; his sons, Father Bernie Papania and Leonard (Angela) Papania; ten grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

Bernie met the love of his life, Estelle, in New Orleans, where they were married in 1961. Together they welcomed their daughters, Cheryl and Karin, before returning to Gulfport in 1964, where their sons Bernie, Len, and Kevin were born.

A man of great curiosity and skill, Bernie spent countless hours in his barn—building, fixing, and tinkering. He was known for collecting scrap wood and odds and ends, always finding creative ways to turn them into something useful or beautiful.

When not in his workshop, Bernie could often be found at Triplett Day Pharmacy, his cherished breakfast spot, where he enjoyed coffee and conversation with the finest of the old Gulfport guard.

Above all, Bernie loved his family. His warmth, humor, and steadfast devotion will be remembered and cherished by all who knew him.

Visitation will be on Friday, October 31, 2025, from 9:30 am – 11 am at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 2414 17th Street, Gulfport. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 am in the church. Entombment will be in Evergreen Cemetery, Gulfport.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorials to St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 2414 17th Street, Gulfport, MS 39501.

The Riemann Family Funeral Home, Gulfport, is serving the family.