Honor John W. Bernas, Jr.

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.