Senate Resolution No. 1645

BY: Senator BONACIC

MOURNING the death of John W. Bernas, Jr.,
distinguished citizen and devoted member of his
community

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great
State of New York; and

WHEREAS, John W. Bernas, Jr. of Cochecton, New York, died on
November 2, 2016, at the age of 66; and

WHEREAS, Born on January 11, 1950, in Callicoon, New York, John W.
Bernas, Jr. was the son of John W. and Anna (Eitner) Bernas; he grew up
and remained living on the Bernas Family Homestead all of his life; and

WHEREAS, At the age of 18, John W. Bernas, Jr. established a small
construction company taking on local work; over the next 45 years, he
built his business into several multi-faceted companies performing major
projects throughout the Catskill and Hudson Valley regions; and

WHEREAS, John W. Bernas, Jr. distinguished himself in his profession
and by his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the
welfare of his community; and

WHEREAS, As was always his dream, John W. Bernas, Jr. retired in
2009, and his four children and brother-in-law took over ownership of
these businesses; not one to be idle, his retirement lasted only a short
time before he started a new construction company, JB1 2 Corporation;
and

WHEREAS, His commitment to excellence, and his spirit of humanity,
carried over into all fields of enterprise, including charitable and
civic endeavors; and

WHEREAS, John W. Bernas, Jr. served as a Volunteer Fireman and Fire
Commissioner for more than three decades; he was a staunch supporter of
numerous organizations, and as a licensed pilot, he gave of his time and
energies transporting organs when needed; and

WHEREAS, Renowned for his sincere compassion and generosity, John W.
Bernas, Jr. planted sweet corn for the neighborhood each year, and
relished in the sight of so many people daily in the field picking corn
for their dinners; and

WHEREAS, An avid sportsman, John W. Bernas, Jr. enjoyed deep sea
fishing from his home in Tavernier, Florida, and hunting with his
children and grandchildren; he also loved farming, gardening and cooking
for family and friends; and

WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering devotion to helping others,
John W. Bernas, Jr. lived a truly selfless life; he found great joy in

supporting those in need, and his love, kindness and good deeds touched
countless lives; and

WHEREAS, Predeceased by his parents and a brother, Michael, John W.
Bernas, Jr. is survived by his wife, Lynne; his children, John III
(Michelle), Matthew (Jennifer), Luke (Ivanka) and Morgan (Tedd); 10
grandchildren, Anna, Blaise, John IV, Brody, Liam, Luke, MacKenzie, Lex,
Aleksandra and Cristian; sisters, Joan (Lanny) and Karen; numerous
nieces, nephews and a loving extended family and friends; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, John W. Bernas, Jr. leaves behind a legacy which will long
endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all
he served and befriended; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of John W. Bernas, Jr., distinguished citizen and
devoted member of his community; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of John W. Bernas, Jr.