Bernard G. Japy
POMPTON PLAINS - Bernard G. Japy, age 97, of Pompton Plains New Jersey passed away quietly, and peacefully, on Friday March 29, 2024.
He was born and raised in Audincourt in the Doubs department of France to Madeleine Japy and Fernand Marcel Japy. He first came to the United States in 1948 under the sponsorship of the French government as a trainee for the textile industry. He returned to France in 1951 where he spent one year working at the Japy Filature and Tissage factory in Audincourt under his father’s direction and served one year in the French Army where he achieved the rank of Corporal. Seeing that there were better opportunities for advancement in the United States he returned in 1954. From an early age his hobby had always been electronics so he pivoted his career path and enrolled in evening school at Northeastern University’s Lincoln College to earn an associate degree in electrical engineering (1963). He was naturalized as a United States citizen in 1962 while completing his degree. He worked at Sylvania Electric (MA), Honeywell Bull (France), and eventually retired from Peugeot Motors of America (NJ).
He married the late Marjorie Gibbs Japy and together raised four children in Winchester Massachusetts and then Wyckoff New Jersey; Lisa Basilio and husband Thierry of Wilmington, NC, Philippe and wife Christine of Wolfeboro NH, Kate Marincic and husband Tomislav of Warren, VT and Christian of Westbrook, CT. He is survived by his sister Dorothee Hersent of Vallauris France and four amazing grandchildren; Sean, Nathan, Erin and Luca. In his later years, he found companionship with his partner Heidi Jackson, who also survives him.
Bernard was known for his practical handyman skills and innovations. During one of his many creative phases he made rustic windmills from old VCR parts. After retirement he dedicated more time to landscape painting, pottery, and furniture making. He was also handy with a sewing machine and would often modify clothes by adding zippers and pockets to the amusement of his grandchildren. He was an avid hiker and long time member of the Appalachian Mountain Club, volunteering many hours to trail maintenance and outdoor activities. He also enjoyed harnessing the wind with his brave crew along the Massachusetts coast in his sailboat “Chouette”. He continued to proudly display a patent he was awarded for a wire trivet he designed.
A private family internment and celebration of life is planned in June. In lieu of flowers; memorial contributions in Bernard’s name may be made to the New Jersey Conservation Foundation (https://www.njconservation. org/donate-now/).