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Donald Bernick Obituary
November 9, 1933 - June 29, 2025
Rock Hill, South Carolina - 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 service to celebrate Donald's life will be held at All Saints Catholic Church on Tuesday, 7/8/2025 at 4 p.m.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Donald Bernick
5 Entries
Bob Faulise
July 11, 2025
Mary Jane and family. So sorry for your loss. Don, you and your family will be in my prayers. I remember times at your mom and dad´s place in North Collin´s.
Donna Reade
July 7, 2025
It´s been a few years since my uncle moved to SC but I have plenty of loving memories of this man I called Uncle Don! RIP, you were loved and will be missed by many!
Robert (Mary) Brunette
July 6, 2025
Our deepest sympathies to Jayne, the Bernick kids and family. Don was very special in my life. As a brokerage manager at Connecticut General Life Insurance Co. he took a chance to hire me, the first person to give me a real opportunity. He became a mentor in business and in life, but also a life long friend. (I would add he was a very successful and highly thought of business man, too.)
He and Jayne are truly special. He will always be remembered and missed. So many stories, good stories. Savor the memories of this fine gentleman.
Bob and Mary Brunette
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