John P. Bernard, who served in the Army Air Corps as a navigator in the latter stages of World War II, stayed on in Europe to serve as an air traffic controller into West Berlin and in other military assignments before returning home to work as a successful glove salesman for Grandoe, C.J. Bachner, and Hansen, died at Albany Medical Center on October 22, of congestive heart failure. He was 96 years old. For the past few years, he had been a resident of Pineview Commons and Wells Nursing Home. During his business career, he worked for years out of New York City and also from Atlanta.
John’s parents were Harold and Edna Bernard, who lived for many years on North Kingsboro Avenue in Gloversville, before divorcing. His sister, who predeceased him, was Jeanne Bernard Rothschild Donald. John was married three times to: Carol Bernard of Connecticut, which ended in divorce; to Dorothy Hayward Sullivan Jung Bernard of Gloversville, which ended when she passed away suddenly; and to Helen VanDusen Reed Bernard, formerly of Johnstown, which ended in divorce.
John loved to dance and frequently hit the dance floor at the Moose Club and other spots around Fulton County. He also enjoyed fixing things and helping friends and neighbors with major household projects. Even into his 90s, John would snow blow the sidewalks and driveways of neighbors on York Street in Gloversville. He was a member of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Johnstown where he volunteered in the church’s food pantry and was a member of the Vestry. He taught boating classes for many years with the Power Squadron of Rowayton, Conn.
John had a very natural way about him and made friends and acquaintances easily. He was educated in Gloversville schools and attended Pratt Institute. He is survived by two nephews, Steven Rothschild of Willington, NC and Sandy Rothschild of St. Louis, MO.; and six stepsons and daughters.
A gathering of friends will be held on Sunday, November 11, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Holiday Inn, 308 N. Comrie Ave., in Johnstown. Refreshments will be available.
