Bernard “Bernie” Eleftherios Kokinos, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away on June 4, 2026, in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He was 83 years old.
Bernie was born on December 14, 1942, in Lowell, Massachusetts, to Anna and Eleftherios Kokinos. He grew up in Lowell and graduated from Lowell High School before attending Saint Anselm College in Manchester, New Hampshire, where he earned a degree in Organic Chemistry. He later earned his master’s degree in Organic Chemistry from Lowell Technological Institute. Following his education, Bernie proudly served four years in the Army Reserve.
Early in his career, Bernie worked as a chemist, but when a family emergency arose, he put his own plans aside and returned home to help his father run the family business, Lefty’s Restaurant in Lowell. What began as a temporary act of support became more than two decades of service alongside his family. It was a decision that reflected a value that would define his entire life: when family needed him, he showed up.
After Lefty’s closed, Bernie joined Pitney Bowes, where he worked in customer service until his retirement.
On April 27, 1968, Bernie married the love of his life, Joyce (Kokoreas) Kokinos. Together they built a marriage that spanned more than 58 years and a family that remained the center of their lives. They lived in Chelmsford, Massachusetts, before retiring to Colorado in 2008 to be closer to their grandchildren.
Bernie was known for his kindness, generosity, intelligence, patience, and unwavering devotion to his family. He had a curious mind and a gift for teaching. Over the years, he tutored countless neighborhood students through chemistry classes and later helped each of his grandchildren with their schoolwork, often over the phone while he and Joyce spent winters in Florida. He never hesitated to share his knowledge when someone needed help.
An accomplished woodworker, Bernie created desks, bookshelves, end tables, and countless other pieces that remain cherished in the homes of family members today. He built a rocking horse for his first grandchild that was later enjoyed by each of his grandchildren, and he often crafted small wooden clocks that he delighted in giving away as gifts.
Bernie also believed strongly in serving his community. He was a member and former president of the Kiwanis Club and served on the board of the Lowell Boys Club. Later in life, Bernie and Joyce became active members of the Pikes Peak Pats, a New England Patriots fan club in Colorado, where they formed many lasting friendships and enjoyed cheering on their favorite team together.
Perhaps nothing brought Bernie more joy than spending time with his grandchildren. Because he and Joyce shared a home with their daughter’s family, he had the privilege of watching Michael, Nicholas, and Sophia grow up day by day. Whether helping with homework, attending activities, sharing a laugh, or simply being present, he treasured every moment with them.
Bernie was also known for his love of puns and classic dad jokes. Family and friends could always count on him for a clever play on words, a groan-worthy punchline, and a smile when it was needed most.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Joyce Kokinos; his daughter, Nicole Pedigo and her husband, Kevin Pedigo; his son, Christopher Kokinos and his husband, Chad Miyashiro; his grandchildren: Michael Pedigo, Nicholas Pedigo, and Sophia Pedigo; and his brother, Charles Kokinos.
He was predeceased by his parents, Anna Kokinos and Eleftherios Kokinos.
Bernie’s legacy lives on in the family he loved so deeply, the friends he cherished, the students he helped, the furniture and gifts he created with his own hands, and the countless acts of kindness he performed throughout his life. He will be remembered for his generosity, his compassion, his sense of humor, and his lifelong habit of putting others before himself.