The Bernstein - Bialaszewski family said a teary farewell to its patriarch on Sept. 1, Harry E. Bernstein.
Born on Sept 9, 1933 to the late Bernard and Mat-tie (Peterson) Bernstein, Harry was a lifelong Dunkirk resident.
Mr. Bernstein, 78, a devoted husband to Barbara, beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and tireless worker, passed away peacefully in his sleep early Saturday at Select Specialty Hospital in Erie, Pa.. During his month-long illness, he fought a courageous battle with his loving bride by his side. Even during his waning days, Harry was able to see and talk with many of his extensive circle of family and friends and regale them with amusing stories and his signature wit.
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Harry E. Bernstein
Harry was born and raised in Brocton and graduated from the School of Hard Knocks. He married his one true love, Barbara Ann Bialaszewski on August 15, 1953. Drafted into service that June, he served his country on a military vessel during the Korean War until his honorable discharge in May of 1955.
Along with his burgeoning family, Harry was known across western New York for his hard-nosed work ethic. He rarely had a day off and often worked multiple shifts at businesses such as Miller's Furniture, Cease Commissary, First Ward Falcon Club and Dan's Moving. Even with this schedule, Harry always made time for coffee with "Barb" and connections at various hours with his kids. Harry was most known as the namesake of Harry's Moving & Storage, the business he saved for years to start and maintained until his retirement in 1999. Leading a team of movers brought Harry into homes and businesses across Chautauqua County for more than two decades. A family affair, he was sup-ported in scheduling duties by Barb and in shifts by children, grandchildren and in-laws.
Harry was a regular for sign-ins at social clubs in Dunkirk, especially at the Falcon Club and the Moniuszko Club. In recent years, he traded his Genny drafts for cranberry juice. An avid John Wayne fan, Harry spent his retirement pouring over the news of the world and family with Barb in the mornings, tinkering in his workshop, watching films featuring "The Duke" in the after-noons, and rooting for Dale Earnhardt Jr. on the track on Sundays. Retirement brought about an opportunity for a 50th wedding anniversary trip to Hawaii, a gift from their children. He actively participated in a Veteran Administration- sponsored trip to Washing-ton, D.C. to honor fallen soldiers.
Harry is survived by his lovely wife of 59 years, Barbara (nee Bialaszewski) and their nine children, Ann Kourelis, Kathy Gugino, Pamela (Jeffrey) Cranston, Leslie (Steven) Listisen, Cheri Grant, Robin (Randy) Charles, Scott Bernstein, Harry "Ted" (Rita White) Bernstein and Kyle (Dale Hazelton) Bern-stein. He is also remembered by his 19 grandchildren: Erin Kourelis, Alexander (Marta) Kourelis and Adam (Liz) Kourelis; Michael Gugino; Jodi (Zach) Ogren, Carly Kulig and Joseph Kulig; Justin (Jessica) Kern, Barbie Kern and Allie (Sean) Hoffman; Jessica (Dan) Proctor, Megan (Chris) Inch, Timothy (Nicole) Charles and Zach Charles; Ella (Will) Griffie and Erik Bernstein; and Casey White, Tea White and Harry Bernstein III. Harry will also be missed by his great-grandchildren: Haiden, Andrew, Marty, Adayla, Olivia, Grady, Victoria, Natalie, Nicholas, and Anais. In addition, Harry is survived by his siblings, Betty (Richard) Kern, Patricia (Howard) Gloss, Nancy (Ed) Wolfe, as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceeded in death by his brothers Robert "Bobby" and Gar-field, and his sister June Fuller.
Arrangements will be announced by the McGraw-Kowal Funeral Home. Flowers are gratefully declined but donations may be made to Brooks Memorial Hospital Dialysis Unit, 529 Central Avenue, Dunkirk, NY 14048.
