Bernard Willner

Bernard “Bernie” Willner, 105, formerly a longtime resident of Bell Park Manor Terrace in Queens Village, New York, died peacefully at his son and daughter-in-law’s home in North Haven, Connecticut on Wednesday, August 21, 2024. He was the beloved husband of the late Laura Willner; loving father of Linda Miller (Allen) and Sheldon Willner (Phyllis); adoring grandfather of Samantha Miller, Erica (Miller) Wilson (Hal Wilson), Cynthia Willner (Joel Edelstein), and Michelle Willner (Noah Strickland); and devoted great-grandfather of Walter Allen Wilson and Max Willner Edelstein. Bernie was born in New York City on July 13, 1919, the son of the late Mary and Abraham Willner, early 20th century immigrants from Austria-Hungary. His father owned a butcher shop, so the family never went hungry during the Great Depression. He grew up in the melting pot of Manhattan, where he was often found at the Harlem Hebrew Institute and was active in his father’s synagogue, including serving as its cantor. Bernie was predeceased by his two sisters, Dora Silensky and Tillie Lisinsky. He remained close with Tillie throughout their lives, spending winters with her in Florida after both of their spouses passed away, and regularly driving to visit her in Binghamton, New York until her death at the age of 99. Bernie worked as a ship fitter in the Brooklyn Navy Yard, helping build the battleship U.S.S. Iowa, and was a veteran of World War II, during which he operated radar equipment on a Victory ship that brought the troops home at the end of the war. He went to school under the G.I. Bill after the war, graduating from Fordham University and Columbia University in New York City. Bernie became a probation officer, and worked in that position at the Manhattan Criminal Courthouse at 100 Centre Street for over 35 years, advancing to a senior position where his advice was well respected by the court’s judges. While living in Bell Park, Bernie was an active member in the fraternal, charitable organization The Knights of Pythias, and volunteered for the Auxiliary Police neighborhood watch. He was a devoted husband and father and an enthusiastic athlete; he traveled the world with his wife, cut a fine figure on the dance floor, loved to read, and enjoyed playing card games with his family. Burial will be private at Washington Memorial Park Cemetery in Mt. Sinai, New York. The Washington Memorial Funeral Home, 4 Washington Ave., North Haven has been entrusted with arrangements. www.washingtonmemorialfh.com

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