LaVern F. Bernard

LaVern F. Bernard, Jr., affectionately known as "Barney," passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 16th, 2025, at the age of 94. Born on Sunday, June 28th, 1931, in Corfu, Barney was a longtime resident of Batavia.

Barney was a loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He is survived by his sons, James E. (Cheri) Bernard of Topeka, KS, and Joseph P. Bernard of Mesa, AZ; his beloved grandchildren, Corey Bernard, Dylan Bernard, Alexandra Bernard, Katie (Kris) Luna, Jake Bernard, and Christopher Bernard; his great-grandson, August Luna; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his devoted wife, Mary J. Bernard, who passed away on November 25, 2014, his son, John L. Bernard, who passed away on September 20, 2012, his sister, Naomi Hale and his parents, LaVern F. Bernard, Sr. and Esther Anawald Bernard.

A graduate of Batavia High School and Erie County Technical Institute, Barney dedicated 27 years of his career as a draftsman at Eastman Kodak Company in Rochester. Before his tenure at Kodak, he worked at Martin Marietta in Florida for five years.

Barney was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church and his love for the "Rat-Pack" music, especially Frank Sinatra, was well-known among his family and friends. An avid sports fan, Barney never missed a Buffalo Bills game, and he found joy in watching classic western movies, with "Gunsmoke" being a particular favorite. In his leisure, he cherished moments spent in the addition he built, relaxing in his favorite chair.

A memorial service to celebrate Barney's life will be held at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 31 Washington Avenue, Batavia, on Monday, October 27th, 2025, at 11 am. He will be laid to rest in St. Joseph's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Genesee Cancer Assistance, Inc., 127 North Street, Batavia, NY 14020, or to St. Paul Lutheran Church and School, 31 Washington Avenue, Batavia, NY 14020.

Barney's warmth, humor, and love for life will be dearly missed by all who knew him. His legacy will live on in the hearts of his family and friends, as well as in the memories they shared with him.