Cover for Bernard James Ernst's Obituary
Bernard James Ernst Profile Photo
In Memory Of
Bernard James Ernst
1951 2025

Bernard James Ernst

July 8, 1951 — October 22, 2025

Rochester, New York

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Listen to Obituary

Bernie married the love of his life, Suzanne Yanicky, on July 10, 1976, and together they built a beautiful home and family over the next 49 years. In addition to Suzie, he is survived by his children, Karen Woch (Will) and Denise Kolerski (Kim), and his granddaughter, Victoria Woch.

Bernie grew up in Henrietta, the second child of the late Theresa and William Ernst. He is survived by his siblings, Carl Ernst (Mary), Mike Ernst (Carol), Joanne Orlando (Lou), Nancy Inglese (Carlo), Danny Ernst (Lee Anne), Maureen Nagel (Gary), and John Ernst (Rhonda) and predeceased by his brother Ted Ernst. Bernie was also survived by, brother-in-law, Kenneth (Donna) Yanicky; an uncle and great-uncle for dozens of nieces and nephews and is also survived by many friends and cousins.

Bernie was a chief stationary boiler engineer at Siemens. He served in the US Air Force during the Vietnam War and was a proud American veteran. Bernie was very active at St. Cecilia's Catholic Church where he was a Eucharist Minister, head of the cleaning committee, and worked the Giving Tree every year. He volunteered at Eastside Little League for 33 years as a coach, field manager, and grill master in the concession stand. Bernie loved wood-working, watching the New York Yankees, and was a lifelong die hard Buffalo Bills fan.

Bernie was truly the best husband, father, grandfather, and friend we could have asked for - and we’ll miss him more than words can express.

A Mass will be held on Wednesday October 29, 2025 at 10:00 AM at St. Cecilia Church, 2732 Culver Rd.

Interment will immediately follow, with military honors, at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, 2461 Lake Ave.

Memorial contributions may be made to Honor Flight Rochester or Wellness 360 Fitness (Parkinson's Boxing, PT, and support group).

To share a memory of Bernard or leave a special message for his family, visit the guest book below.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Bernard James Ernst, please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Mass

Wednesday, October 29, 2025

Starts at 10:00 am (Eastern time)

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Interment & Military Honors

Wednesday, October 29, 2025

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