IN MEMORIAM: Bernie Richardson, 81;
Former Teacher At OHS, Businessman
ONEONTA – Bernard F. “Bernie” Richardson, 81, retired Oneonta High School teacher and current owner of local businesses, died June 9, 2017, at Bassett Hospital.
He was born to Harry T. and Mina (Fairfield) Richardson on April 15, 1936, in Corning. He was raised in Elmira Heights and graduated from Thomas A. Edison High School.
Bernie was an Army veteran, serving as a Military Police officer from 1955 to 1957. He was first stationed in the United States then finished his military service in Germany.
He married Sophie Koken on June 23, 1963, in Oneonta.
He received a bachelor of arts from Hartwick College in 1961 and a master’s from SUNY Oneonta.
Bernie taught at Franklin Central School, Truxton School District, Oneonta Middle School and Oneonta High School, where his focus was on World History and the senior courses. While teaching he coached many of the major sports. He retired in 1991.
Bernie’s other business ventures with his wife, Sophie, were owning the Canelli’s Liquor Store and currently The Novelty Lounge.
He was a member of the Oneonta Veterans Club and was a 32nd degree Mason.
In addition to his wife, Sophie Richardson of Oneonta; he is survived by his brother, William “Bill” and wife Lena Richardson of Oregon; sisters-in-law Treso Koken Anastasiades of New York City, Kathleen C. Grygiel of Oneonta, Lynne Richardson of Big Flats and Liliane Richardson of the State of Maryland; brothers-in-law William and wife Marilyn Mull of Oregon, and Ronald and wife Jan Richardson of Oregon; as well as many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.
He was predeceased by brothers Martyn Richardson and Neil Richardson; sisters Marabel Richardson and Rosemary Mull, and brothers-in-law Anastasios Anastasiades and Gus Grygiel.
Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, June 13, at the Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono Funeral Home, 51 Dietz St., Oneonta. The funeral service will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 14, at the funeral home. The committal service will follow at the Oneonta Plains Cemetery.
Donations may be made to the charity of one’s choice.
Online condolences may be sent to, www.lhpfuneralhome.com