Obituary of Bernie Heinsler

Hilton: Bernard R. “Bernie” Heinsler, one of the truly great ones of the greatest generation, went wheels up for the very last time, on May 24, 2020 at the age of 94.  Born July 28, 1925, he was the last of seven brothers, three of whom, including himself, served in World War II.  All three returned home which Bernie considered a blessing to have his family back together again.

Bernard is predeceased by his wife, Jean, in 1990 and his son, Thomas, in 2019.

Bernard is survived by his children, Robert (Deborah) Heinsler, Janet Heinsler, and Daniel (Mary Joan) Heinsler.

Bernard is also survived by six grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren, Erik Heinsler;  Kristen (Mike) Judah, Jesse and Kadee deMaintenon; Matthew (Mandee) Noah, Oskar, Roman, Evee, and Thalia Heinsler; Jessica Ladd (Matt Brown), Ethan Ladd and Logan Brown; Sarah, Bernard Malucci; Jonathan Heinsler.

Bernard is also predeceased by his parents, John and Sarah Sullivan Heinsler and all of his siblings, Art, William, Roy, Joseph, James and Raymond.

Bernie was one of the most kind and generous persons and so central to the lives of his family and friends.  He was a devout Catholic and his faith in God sustained him throughout his life especially during World War II at such a young age.  He would often speak of receiving the Eucharist just before his 35 bombing missions. According to family lore he met the love of his life right after the war when Jean put the tag on him at second base. They married in 1949 and went on to enjoy 40 years of marriage before her passing.  Family meant everything to him. As he would leave family gatherings and say goodbye, he would always remark, “This is what it is all about: FAMILY”.  Bernie’s work ethic and daily discipline were beyond reproach and his sense of humor engulfed every gathering.  He had certain passions which he thoroughly enjoyed including being a devout Catholic, lifelong Buffalo Bills fan, avid and above average euchre player, monthly Aquinas lunches with his class of 1944, weekly lunches with friends and former Kodak colleagues, and his love of classical music, having season tickets to the RPO.

Calling hours and service are private at the Thomas Burger Funeral Home.  Interment Parma Union Cemetery.  A memorial mass will be celebrated at a later date.

Donations may be made to The Aquinas Institute of Rochester, 1127 Dewey Ave., Rochester, NY 14613 or to St. Leo’s Church, 167 Lake Ave., Hilton, NY 14468 in Bernard’s memory.

“They that hope in the Lord will renew their strength, they will soar as with eagles’ wings” Isaiah 40:31