Bernard C. Prior
12/11/1948 ~ 3/26/2021
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 Counseling 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.
Bernie 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 was held at Beecher Funeral Home for family and friends on Monday, March 29 from 3-7pm. A mass of Christian Burial was held at St. John’s in Pawling, NY on Tuesday, March 30 at 11:00am. The mass was followed by a private cremation.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Bernie’s memory to: The CT Society of Santas, PO Box 541, Bethlehem, CT 06751.
