Bernard J. Baxter Jr.

Bernard J. "Bernie" Baxter Jr., 81, of Monongahela, Carroll Township, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, at the Mon Valley Care Center, Carroll Township. Born September 18, 1943, in New Eagle, he was the son of the late Bernard Sr. and Margaret Butti Baxter. Bernie was a 1961 graduate of the former Mon-Valley Catholic High School, following that he earned his Bachelor's Degree in Education at California State University. He taught briefly in New Jersey and West Virginia before spending over three decades teaching Mathematics at Bethel Park High School, until his retirement in 1999. Bernie did not have children of his own, but following the death of his sister Loretta's husband in 1989, he took on a role as father figure to her three adult children, quietly supporting and showing up for them through good and bad times, including the long illness and tragic loss of Loretta's eldest daughter, Lisa. Bernie was not one for praise or recognition. There is no doubt that even these few paragraphs would have made him uncomfortable. His generosity was swift and silent; from anonymous gifts and donations to paid restaurant checks and bar tabs that simply never made it to the table. Bernie was a faithful Steeler fan and season ticket holder since the early 70s, generously sharing his seats with family and friends. For decades, Bernie rode his bike religiously on the Westmoreland Yough Trail, leaving a portion of his estate to its future care. He was part of the Monongahela Coffee Club, meeting each morning with lifelong friends. All would agree that Bernie's greatest accomplishment was winning the love and loyalty of his beautiful girlfriend, Norris Myers. Bernie and Norris spent 23 years together, until Norris' sudden passing on September 20th of this year. Norris was the perfect counterpart of sweetness and light to Bernie's ornery disposition and sarcastic humor. Bernie is survived by his nephew, Paul (Sandy) Kokoska of Morgantown, W.Va.; a niece, Maria "Lanie" (Mark) Kane of Monongahela; six great-nieces and nephews; and four great-great-nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister, Loretta (Paul) Kokoska; his niece, Lisa Papay, and his longtime companion, Norris Myers. Only those who knew him best can appreciate the final statement that he requested be added to this obituary: "I want everyone to know that I suffer no more with aches, pains, cramps, coughing, gagging or choking. I was born. I died. That's it." As per Bernie's wishes, there will be no traditional funeral and the Marshall Marra Funeral Home, 216 Chess Street, Monongahela was in charge of the arrangements. Condolences can be made at marshallmarrafuneralhome.com and services will be private and limited to immediate family. However, the best way to honor Bernie's memory would be to perform a quiet act of generosity or kindness that may go unnoticed and cannot be repaid. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Bernie's name to the Westmorland Yough Trail Chapter of the Great Allegheny Passage: P.O. Box 242, West Newton, PA 15089 or www.bikewytc.org