Bernard "Bernie" Strickland, age 78, of Groveland, passed away on Monday, January 12, 2026, at Mass General Hospital, Boston with family and friends by his side.  Bernie was born in Richmond, VA and continued to live in Richmond during his formative years.  At 18 he entered the Air Force.  After spending time in TX and MS, he was stationed at Otis Air Force Base on Cape Cod.  He came to love Massachusetts and never left.  Bernie worked at various agencies including Social Security, the Post Office and the IRS.  But his first love was always music which he remained active in through his 70's.  Bernie had a dynamic voice and loved singing which he did until his passing.  He also enjoyed being an extra in several movies filmed in New England and was listed with Boston Casting and a member of SAG/AFTRA.  Bernie loved life and was always smiling.  His family members include his wife of 23 years, Colette Strickland, his daughter Marrisa Cristie and her husband Richard of Lynn, his beloved granddaughters Nevaeh Bedel of Randolph, Nataliya Hearns and Fionna Cristie, both of Lynn, a brother Andrew Strickland and his wife Belinda and numerous nieces and nephews all remain residents of Richmond, VA.  Bernie was a dedicated Jehovahs Witness, and he loved the Bible and the promises it contains.  Bernie served as an Elder in the Amesbury Mass Congregation of Jehovahs Witnesses.  His service will be Saturday, February 7, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. in the Amesbury Kingdom Hall of Jehovahs Witnesses, 179 Storey Ave. (Rte. 113) Newburyport, MA 01950