Bernard Wallace Towle, Sr., 86, of Fairway Avenue, Newport, died Thursday evening, May 31, 2012 at Valley Regional Hospital.

He was born in Hanover, NH on July 13, 1925 the youngest of 12 children, to Charles Gorden and Anne Jean (Hart) Towle.

Bernard had retired from Joy Manufacturing and had also worked for Sullivan Machine and Flock Fiber.

Bernie was an avid hunter and fisherman. He enjoyed playing horseshoes and cookouts with his family. He had the best sense of humor a person could have. He was a great handyman.

He is the widower of Mary K. (Conant) Towle whom he married on October 21, 1944 and she died in 1991.

The family includes six sons, Peter Towle, Terrence Towle, Martin Towle, Daniel Towle, Robert Towle and Bernard Towle II; three daughters, Kathleen Allard, Suzzane Gaumont and Mary Benware; 18 grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by an infant son, Steven Cedrick Towle.

At the request of Bernie there will be no visiting hours or funeral services.