Bernard Lewis

1935 - 2025

Lewis, Bernard

Aug 7, 1935 - Jul 28, 2025

Of East Aurora died on Monday, July 28. He was 89.Mr. Lewis was born at home in Buffalo on Aug. 7, 1935, the son of William J. and Jane (née O'Connell) Lewis. He graduated from East Aurora High School. He furthered his education, graduating from Erie County Technical Institute with an associates degree. He gained employment with Trico Products, where he was a quality control engineering manager of the plastics department and became vice president of Plant One and vice president of corporate purchasing. During the Blizzard of 1977, Mr. Lewis coordinated food for over 400 stranded employees. In the 37 years he worked for Trico, Mr. Lewis was never late or missed a day. As a member of the Society of Plastic Engineers, he was on the board of directors and served as treasurer. A man of variety and skill, Mr. Lewis served in the Army National Guard and was a sportsman, engineer, architect and pilot. He also enjoyed taking vacations with family and friends over the years. As a young man, Mr Lewis built and designed his own home with his father. When he went for a loan, the bank was so impressed that he knew the exact amount of nails and wood needed that he was given the loan with a handshake. Bernie had a fierce determination to accomplish objectives. Whether it was starting the fire at a one room school house everyday, as a child, for his classmates, in order to save money for a bicycle; saving those in a car by grabbing the wheel to prevent an accident, leaving him with a broken and bent finger for the rest of his life; or peddling his bicycle from home to church, in the snow, as an altar boy, leaving his hand frost bitten, Bernie was determined to succeed. Mr. Lewis was wed to Ginger (née Fick) Lewis on Nov. 16, 1963. She survives. In addition to his wife, Mr. Lewis is survived by his children Brian Lewis, Susan (Jim) McGee and Wendy Ruszczyk; grandchildren Kaitlyn and Alexander Ruszczyk; and siblings Mary Jane (Peter) Doster, Donald (Cheryl) Lewis and Joseph (Cindy) Lewis. Services will be held on Saturday, Sept 13, at 11 a.m., at Immaculate Conception RC Church of East Aurora, 520 Oakwood Ave. A devout Catholic man who went to daily Mass, Memorial Donations in Mr. Lewis' honor may be directed to Immaculate Conception Church by mailing to 520 Oakwood Ave., East Aurora, NY 14052. Kenneth Howe Funeral Home, 64 Maple Road, East Aurora, completed arrangements and offers an online space to share condolences at www.howefuneralhome.com. Bernie, your family loves you and will miss you.