Bernard M. Antonio, Jr.'s Obituary
Bernard (Bernie) M. Antonio, Jr., 67, of Liverpool, passed away peacefully surrounded by his wife and family at Francis House on January 2, 2017. Born July 6, 1949, Bernie was the son of Bernard M. Antonio, Sr. and Ann (Santo) Antonio.
Bernie attended St. Brigid Elementary School, graduated from West Genesee High School in 1967 and received a BA degree in Technology Education from Oswego State University in 1971.
He began his 35 year teaching career with the Syracuse City School District in 1971 as an Industrial Arts/Technology teacher. During his career he taught at Corcoran High School, Central Tech, and Clary Middle School. He retired in 2006. Bernie was a master carpenter who could remodel, build, or fix just about anything related to carpentry. Bernie was a Driver’s Education teacher for more than 40 years at North Syracuse School District, Manlius Pebble Hill and OCM Boces.
Bernie was involved in the music ministry at St. Charles of Borromeo Parish for over 30 years. At St. Charles he led the music liturgy and the choir at the Sunday 9:00am mass.
Bernie was also an avid motorcycle enthusiast. He had a passion for his Harley-Davidson motorcycles and fully embraced the concept “Live to Ride, Ride to Live”. During his retirement Bernie also enjoyed golfing, the Turning Stone Casino, and his favorite place to visit, Las Vegas.
Bernie’s family would like to acknowledge and thank the following doctors and their staff at Upstate University Hospital. Dr. Ajay Jain, Dr. Mathew McDonald, Dr. Raul Seth, along with all the nurses and staff at Upstate Hematology and Oncology for all the care they extended to Bernie during his illness; also, a most sincere thank you to Dr. Nadar Hanna at the University of Maryland for his expertise in his field and care for Bernie.
In addition, the family would like to recognize Hospice of CNY for their care the last 7 months and to Francis House and staff who so lovingly cared for Bernie through the last phase of his journey.
Bernie was predeceased by his parents and his sister, Carol Miller.
Bernie is survived by his loving wife, Elizabeth Magnarelli-Antonio; his son, Matthew D. Antonio (Alena Anthony); stepdaughters, Sarah E. Finn and Bridget H. Finn; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Winthrop and Louise Thurlow, William and Karen Magnarelli, Thomas Magnarelli (Agnes Loguidice), David and Kay Magnarelli; niece, Michelle Miller; great-niece, Brianna miller; several nieces and nephews, including one great-great nephew and many dear friends who supported Bernie through his journey.
Funeral services will be held at 9:00 AM on Saturday, January 7, 2017 at the THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME, followed by a Funeral Mass in celebration of Bernie’s life at 10:00 AM in St. Margaret’s Church, Mattydale. Entombment will be in Woodlawn Cemetery Mausoleum. Family and friends may call from 4:00 – 7:00 PM on Friday, January 6, 2017 at the funeral home, 3401 Vickery Rd. (corner of Buckley Rd.) North Syracuse, NY.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to the Francis House, 108 Michaels Ave, Syracuse, NY 13208 or Hospice of CNY, 990 Seventh North Street, Liverpool, NY 13088.
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