William John Bernich

William John Bernich obituary, New Rochelle, NY

William John Bernich

William Bernich Obituary

Visit the Ballard-Durand Funeral & Cremation Services of White Plains website to view the full obituary.

William "Bill" Bernich, 89, of New Rochelle, NY, passed away peacefully on January 13, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Bill was a cherished husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, remembered for his kindness, loyalty and devotion to those he loved.

Born on May 9, 1936, to Matilda and Domenick Bernich in New York, NY, Bill graduated from All Hollows High School and went on to serve in the U.S. Army Reserves. He then attended Manhattan College, where he graduated as Salutatorian with Epsilon Sigma Pi honors. After graduating, Bill built a successful career in corporate finance marked by leadership, integrity and dedication.

In 1958, Bill married the love of his life, Joan Paterno. Together, they shared 67 wonderful years of marriage, raising a family built on love, faith, and laughter. Bill and Joan were inseparable partners in all aspects of life, and his passing leaves a void that can never be filled.

Bill will be remembered for his unwavering commitment to family, his strong will and generous heart. He enjoyed music, gardening, golf, travel, sporting events, time with friends and a good meal, especially Joan's cooking. They shared over 50 years together as members of the Westchester Country Club in Rye, NY and as parishioners of St. Pius X Church in Scarsdale, NY. His greatest joy came from family gatherings, watching his children and grandchildren grow, and celebrating life's milestones together.

Bill is survived by his beloved wife, Joan; their three daughters: Carla, Lisa (Robert) and Michele (Fred); his cherished grandchildren: Ryan, Angelica and Matthew; and his sister: Sr. Joan of the Marist Missionary Sisters.

A service honoring Bill's life will be held at Our Lady Queen of Peace Chapel at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Hawthorne, NY, on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at 11:00 A.M.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Bill's memory.

Make a Donation
in William Bernich's name

Please consider a donation as requested by the family.

Plan and Price a Funeral

Create a funeral plan and price estimate in less than 5 minutes.

How to support William's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services, and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor William Bernich's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sponsored

Plan and Price a Funeral

Create a funeral plan and price estimate in less than 5 minutes.