Bernard T. Donohue

Born and raised in Manhattan, Bernard moved to St. George in 1959 before settling in Westerleigh in 1960 with his wife, Josephine. He joined the New York City Department of Sanitation in 1953 and retired in 1978 after 25 years of service.

He lived an active and steady life well into his 80's and could be found jogging through Clove Lakes Park, and probably walked nearly every block of Westerleigh on his daily walks. At home, his basement was his workshop - a place where his skill as a handyman and craftsman touched the lives of family and friends. If something needed fixing, building, or improving, Bernie was the one who made it happen.

He was just as well known in the kitchen. His potato masher was just as frequently in his hand as his tools. His holiday cheesecakes became something of a tradition, and his apple pies and chocolate cakes were a welcome and familiar sight at Sunday dinners.

Predeceased by his beloved wife of 53 years, Josephine, and his son Thomas, Bernie is survived by his son Bernard and his daughter Christine, as well as his six grandchildren: Thomas, Kaitlin, Thomas, Kelly, Emma, and Faye, to whom he was known simply as “PopPop,” a name he carried with pride. He will be deeply missed, fondly remembered, and forever loved by all who knew him.