Donald Robert Bernick

1933 - 2025

Bernick, Donald Robert

November 9, 1933 - June 29, 2025

Donald Robert Bernick sadly passed away on Sunday, June 29, 2025, at HarborChase Senior Living in Rock Hill, S.C. He is disappointed that he will never eat another Mammoser's chicken wing or see his beloved Buffalo Bills win a Super Bowl, but the rumor is they have cold beer in heaven!

Donald was born in Buffalo, N.Y., on November 9, 1933, to Joseph Bernick and Allyce Pelton. It was the era of "Children should be seen and not heard," and his brother Joe and sisters Barbara and Judy were thought to be deaf-mutes during most of their childhood.

After graduating from Canisius High School in 1952, Donald thought it would be fun to spend another four years with the Jesuits and graduated from Canisius College with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1956. He majored in drinking beer and playing tennis, like most children of a speakeasy owner. Donald was exceptional at both, evidenced by his city of Buffalo doubles tennis title and Knights of Columbus Hall of Fame induction. It was all made possible by Mary Jane Loretto, the love of his life for 69 wonderful years. She is a saint and co-conspirator in producing their five children, Lynn (husband Doug), Randy (wife Donna), Jill (husband Rich), Craig (wife Danyelle), and Todd (wife Marian), nine grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. He is gravely disappointed that his three sons failed to produce a male heir, but it is widely known that Jill was rightfully his favorite!

A memorial service will be held in Hamburg at a future date.