Bernard V. White, Jr.

ILION – Bernard “Bernie” V. White, Jr., age 89, of Fitzer Drive, Ilion, passed away peacefully, on Monday, July 1, 2024, at Wynn Hospital, Utica, with his loving family by his side.

He was born on November 12, 1934, in Herkimer, the son of Bernard V. White and Betty (Tinkler) White and attended Herkimer schools. Bernie was a veteran, serving in the U.S. Air Force, from 1954-1957. On August 22, 1982, he was married to Marion Cushman, at Blessed Sacrament Church, Mohawk. Mr. White was employed as a Gun Repairman, at Remington Arms Co., Ilion, for about 30 years, retiring in 1993. He then drove school bus for First Student and Birnie Bus. Bernie was a life member of the former Ilion Moose Lodge, a member of the Johnstown Moose Lodge, life member of the Mohawk American Legion, life member of Samson AFB, honorary life member of the Herkimer County Marine Corps League and a member of the Ilion/Frankfort VFW. He served 6 terms as Governor, at the Ilion Moose Lodge, 25 years on the Ritual Team and 23 years on the Bingo Committee. Mr. White also served Central New York Counsel of Higher Degrees, as President, from 2010-2011, served as Sgt. at Arms for both the Counsel and the District, for many years. He also received the Fellowship Degree, in 1981.

Surviving family members include his wife, Marion; his daughter, Valerie (Bob) Berie and their children, Alex (Kim) Hale, Colin (RaeAnna) Hale, Brandon (Sammie) Berie, Lauren (Tim) Fisher and Kayla Negron; his step-children, Jeffrey (Mary) Buddenhagen, William (Debra) Buddenhagen, Deborah (Robert) McWhorter, Lee-Ann (Anthony) Martin, Janet Farber and Russell Hall; his step-grandchildren, Jeffrey (Amie) Buddenhagen, Jr., Joshua Valentine, Jason Valentine, Matthew Valentine, TJ Valentine, Amanda (James) Fultz, Cassandra (Levi) Ragan and Jessica (Lilith) Martin; his brothers and sisters, Donald White, Ruth White, Susan Foley, Gail Tate, Dan White, Roy White, Steve White, Beverly Oram, Colleen Rowe and Paul White; his brother-in-law, Stanley Biasini; his sisters-in-law, Angela Dunning, Patricia Lawrence, Kathleen (Tom) Marchese, Anne (Fred) Schell and JoAnne (Al) Burrill; and his many great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins; and special friends, Larry and Mimi Scranton.

He was predeceased by his parents; his grandparents; his former wife, Joan (Kast) White; his son-in-law, Norman Hale, III; his step-mother, Peggy White; his sisters, Karen Ford and Joanne Morse; his brother, John White; his brothers-in-law, Francis Dunning and Glenn Lawrence; and his sister-in-law, Rose Biasini.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, July 5, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at the Applegate-Day & Enea Family Funeral Home’s larger facility location, at 4309 Acme Road, Ilion, NY (between Ilion and Frankfort). Bernie’s Funeral Service will follow, at 1:00 p.m., Friday, July 5, 2024, at the funeral home, with Deacon Michael Carbone, officiating.

The District 6 Moose Ritual Service will be held 12:30 p.m., Friday, at the funeral home. The Mohawk American Legion and the Ilion/Frankfort VFW will also conduct services.

Bernie’s Graveside Committal Prayer Service will be held 12 noon, on Monday, July 8, 2024, at the Calvary Cemetery, Herkimer, with Deacon Michael Carbone, officiating.

Anyone wishing to share a memory of Bernard “Bernie” White, Jr., or add to his online memorial, may go to www.applegateandday.com on the Internet.

Bernie’s service arrangements and supervision were prearranged and entrusted to his longtime friend, Don Applegate, Funeral Director, at the Applegate-Day & Enea Family Funeral Homes, of Ilion (895-7722).