Bernard W. VanDeWeert Sr.

Bernard W. VanDeWeert Sr., 84, well-known resident of 76 Dayton Ln., Towanda, Pa., passed away Friday afternoon, Jan. 9, 2015 at his home surrounded by his loving and devoted family. He is fondly remembered by his family as an avid monitor of temperature. It was 21 degrees outdoors when he left us.

"Bernie" as he was known by his family and many friends was born May 1, 1930 in Glen Rock, N.J., a son of Garrett and Ella Ten Kate VanDeWeert. He was a veteran of the Korean War having served in the U.S. Army and the Army Honor Guard.

On June 20, 1953, Bernard married Patricia June Turner in Norwich, N.Y. and their marriage brought forth nine children.

Bernie and his wife Pat owned and operated farms beginning in Richford, N.Y. and continuing in Harford, N.Y., Etna, N.Y., King George, Va., and later the Fox Chase Farm in Towanda Township until their retirement. His wife Pat also managed the Fox Chase Restaurant for 12 years working alongside her family in their successful business. Bernie's love and devotion for his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren was immense and paramount in his life. Family gatherings at home were always very special with many memorable times shared by all.

Bernie was a member of the North Towanda United Methodist Church, Towanda Elks Lodge No. 2191, Towanda American Legion Post No. 42, Beirne-Webster VFW Post No. 1568, Towanda, AM VETS Post No. 261, Durell, Towanda Gun Club and Monroeton Gun Club.

Surviving are nine children, twin daughters, Linda and Lois VanDeWeert of Towanda, Diane Bride and her husband David Bride of Towanda, Brenda Buchholz and her husband William Buchholz of King George, Va.,

Garry VanDeWeert and his wife Linda VanDeWeert of Towanda, Floyd VanDeWeert and his wife Lori VanDeWeert of Towanda, Cheryl VanDeWeert of Towanda, Bernard VanDeWeert Jr. of Virginia, Patti Hartmann and her husband Rob Hartmann of Towanda; 27 grandchildren Heather C., Kevin, Rebecca, Lillea, Christa, Heather B., Sara, Andrew, Willie, Nikki, Carrie, Hannah, Kelly, Mo, Jessi, Jenni, Kate, Ella, Brenda, Richard, Lewis, Maggie, Olivia, Emily, Dylan, Jessica and Mason; 27 great-grandchildren Casey, Seth, Alex, Rylan, Owen, Landon, Rae Anne, Cody, Taylor, Ryan, Dylan, Kyleigh, Grace, Madison, Tate, Molly, Ali, Kristi, Liam, Colton, Carter, Elijah, Ava, Sidney, Marley, Aubrey, and Weston; brothers Garrett VanDeWeert and wife Joyce of Harford Mills, N.Y., Ronald VanDeWeert of Marathon, N.Y., John VanDeWeert and wife Hummy of Dryden, N.Y.; sisters Carol Morgan and husband Albert of Dryden, N.Y., Elaine Fergus and husband Jim of Ithaca, N.Y.; sister-in-law Priscilla Fierro of Virginia; several nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 56 years, Pat, on Dec. 17, 2009; brother and sister-in-law Henry and Helen VanDeWeert; grandson Tate Hendrik Blokzyl and; brother-in-law, Floyd Turner.

The family will receive friends Sunday from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Maryott-Bowen Funeral Home, 217 York Ave., Towanda, Pa. Towanda Elks Lodge No. 2191 will hold a service of remembrance Sunday at 2:45 p.m. at the funeral home. The funeral service will be held Monday, Jan. 12, 2015 at 10 a.m. at the funeral home. Towanda American Legion post No. 42 will accord military honors at the funeral home. Interment will be in the Cole Cemetery, Towanda Twp., Pa.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions may be directed to the North Towanda United Methodist Church in care of Jake Guffey, Treasurer, 3377 Sugar Creek Road, Towanda, PA 18848 in Bernard W. VanDeWeert Sr.'s memory. Memories and condolences may be expressed by visiting www.bowenfuneralhomes.com.