Bernard P. Owens

With heavy hearts and immense gratitude for his life, we announce the passing of Bernard P. Owens on November 21, 2025, at Rome Health. Bernie left this world the way he lived surrounded by love, loyalty, and dedication of family who never left his side. He was 80 years old.

Born on June 23, 1945, to the late William and Marjorie (Glover) Owens, Bernie grew up in Clinton, where his stubborn streak, quick wit, and boundless energy first became clear. After graduating from Clinton High School, he answered a higher calling and joined the U.S. Army.

He served his nation bravely in Vietnam, earning a Bronze Star for valor—a recognition he rarely spoke about, but one that his family never stopped admiring. His service ended in 1967, but the discipline, grit, and pride he carried from that time stayed with him forever.

Bernie spent his working years at Revere Copper and Brass as an industrial mechanic. He had a brilliance with his hands that couldn’t be taught and a mind that solved problems others wouldn’t even attempt. If something was broken, Bernie could fix it. If something was hard, Bernie did it anyway.

But it was outside of work where he truly came alive. Bernie didn’t just enjoy life—he attacked it with intensity. He loved hockey, baseball, softball, snowmobiling, boating, water skiing, skydiving, and downhill skiing. He was, in every sense, “all in.” When his kids were young, he threw himself into youth sports, coaching beginner hockey at Fort Stanwix for years. He built a backyard hockey rink each winter—flooding it layer by layer—because nothing made him happier than seeing his children and their friends racing across the ice he created with them in mind.

Bernie played for the Copper City Chiefs and raced snowmobiles with a fearlessness that made stories about him travel farther than he ever knew. “Mind over matter” wasn’t just a motto to him—it was a way of life. He met every challenge, every hill, every hardship that way.

Bernie lived boldly. He loved fiercely. He met life head-on. And he leaves behind a legacy of strength, devotion, and unforgettable stories that his family will carry forward—because he never did anything halfway, including loving them.

He leaves behind his wife of 49 years, Lauren, who matched his strength with quiet endurance and unwavering love. He is survived by his daughters, Farrah and Christopher McMahon of Rome, and Kimberly Owens and Robert Hale of Florida; and by his son, Jason Owens of Rome. His grandchildren—Landen Patrick Owens, Fiona McMahon, Isibeal McMahon, Peyton Pope, Parker Pope, and Pressley Anderson—were the lights of his life. He adored each of them and carried their names proudly.

He is also survived by his brothers, Robert and Arlene Owens and James Owens; his in-laws, Eric and Patricia Wightman; his nieces and nephews, Robert Owens, Jr. and his wife, Mary Claire, Jane Granato, Jim Owens, John Owens and his wife, Tracy, Linda Eisenhut, Laurie Christ, William “Lester” Owens, Brian Owens, Jeff Owens and Mark Owens, along with a large extended family that he treasured. Bernie loved deeply and broadly enough that even his grand-pups—Anya, Blue, and Maggie—knew they were part of his pack.

Bernie was also blessed with many friends, especially Steve and Jackie Flanders and Cindy Flanders, whose presence in his life meant more than words can capture.

The family extends their heartfelt appreciation to the third-floor team at RHCF, with special mention of Jill, Alex, and Tanya—as well as Meghan and Becky and Dr. Todd Podkowka, for caring for Bernie with the compassion he deserved.

Friends and relatives are invited to attend calling hours for Bernie on Friday, December 19, 2025, from 4:00PM – 6:00PM at the Barry Funeral Home, 807 West Chestnut Street, Rome, NY 13440. Bernie’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Friday at 6:00PM immediately upon the conclusion of visitation. Bernie’s final resting place will be in Evergreen Cemetery in Lee Center, where he can forever watch over the snowmobile trail.

Donations in Bernie’s honor may be made to the Bobby Page Foundation, 8527 Cyrus Ave, Rome, NY 13440, or to the Peter Corigliano IV Memorial Fund, c/o Community Foundation, 2608 Genesee Street, Utica, NY 13502. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

The Owens family has entrusted the care of their husband and father to Kevin Barry, Nick Iselo and Marty Ciaccia, Funeral Directors. Online notes of sympathy may be left at www.barryfuneralhome.com.