Bernard Eugene Closson 92 of New Smyrna Beach died Wednesday January 21 2009 at the Edgewater Hospice House of Volusia County. Bernie was born on December 6th 1916 in Fairmont West Virginia. As a young man he served three years in the US Navy Sea-Bees. On August 30 1937 he married the love of his life Betty Louise Helms and spent 68 wonderful years together until her passing in 2006. Bernie and Betty joyfully raised a family of six beautiful daughters who they loved dearly. He was an accomplished pianist who graciously earned the nickname "Magical Fingers". Bernie earned his living as a successful insurance salesman with Southern Life and Health Insurance Company in Orlando for over 30 years before retiring and relocating to New Smyrna Beach. When he was not spending time with his family Bernie could be found fishing or out dancing with his wife. He was a wonderful husband father "Gande" and friend who will be greatly missed. Bernie is survived by daughters Sandra K. (Robert) Hanak of Melbourne Beach Jan S. (Barry) Forde of Orlando Pam J. (Nick) Royer of Orlando Vicke L. Arvelos of Rockledge Judy L. (Michael) Shofner of Melbourne Becky J. (Steve) Wood of New Smyrna Beach; brother Raymond Closson of Manchester New Hampshire; seventeen grandchildren twenty-four great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren. Donations may be made to Hospice House of Volusia/Flagler at 1020 Claudia Street New Smyrna FL 32168.