Bernard C. Prior, age 72, of Patterson, NY, died peacefully on March 26, 2021 at Calvary Hospital in the Bronx.
Born on December 11, 1948 in Bronx, NY to Bernard and Margaret (Tracey) Prior. After graduating from Rice High School, he went on to receive his Bachelor’s degree from Iona College and later received a Master’s in Counselling from Western Connecticut State University.
Bernard worked for the Westchester Department of Social Services as a Senior Case Worker. Later, he worked as a school counselor for the Cornwall School District for 22 years.
Bernard was a founding member and avid bagpiper for the Kerry Pipers. He was also a member of the International Brotherhood of Real Bearded Santas. He was active in the Knights of Columbus and President of the Lower Hudson Santas.
Bernard is survived by his daughter Kerry Puleo of Patterson, NY, his son Patrick and daughter in-law Gina (DiCarlo) Prior of Brooklyn, NY, and his four grandchildren: Olivia, Clare, Bryanna, and Austin. He is survived by his sister Mary, of Valhalla, NY. Bernard is predeceased by his grandson, Danny, and three brothers, Patrick, John, and Andrew.
Visitation will be held at Beecher Funeral Home for family and friends on Monday, March 29 from 3-7pm. A mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. John’s in Pawling, NY on Tuesday, March 30 at 11:00am. The mass will be followed by a private cremation. Due to COVID-19 restriction the funeral home can have 50 people inside at one time, you may be asked to wait outside. Masks must be worn inside the funeral home. Condolences for the family may be left on this website.
In lieu of flowers, donations made in Bernard’s memory to the American Cancer Society.