John L. Bernard, 51 of Amherst died unexpectedly September 20, 2012. He was born on August 12, 1961 in Orlando, FL to LaVern “Barney” (Mary Martino) Bernard of Batavia. Mr. Bernard was the proprietor of Third Base Sports Bar in Buffalo for the past 30 years. He was a member of Christ the King R.C. Church in Amherst. John was a 1980 graduate of Batavia High School. He was very active his whole life in sports, he played college football at the University of Buffalo where he was an All American Safety, and he signed as a free agent with the Buffalo Bills. He coached his daughter Katie in softball and always said she was the love of his life.
In addition to his parents his is survived by his daughter Katherine “Katie” Bernard of Snyder, NY, brothers James (Cheri) Bernard of Topeka, KS and Joseph (Nancy) Bernard of Mesa, AZ. One niece, 4 nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins also survive.
Friends may call from 3 to 7 PM on Friday September 28, 2012 at the Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc., 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020. Friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday September 29, 2012 at 9:30 AM in Resurrection Parish (St. Mary’s Church), 18 Ellicott Street, Batavia, New York. Burial will take place in St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Batavia, NY
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the family to be distributed to various charities and to further the research of sports related concussions. For more information or to sign the online guest registry please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com or call (585) 343-8260. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.
