Bernard R. Danaher, 93 yrs. old of New Berlin, NY passed away at the Folt’s Home in Herkimer, NY on February 13, 2015.

Bernard was born on February 12, 1922 in Thomaston, CT the son of Robert Rickard & Ellen Ada (Gray) Danaher.  His childhood was spent in Thomaston, CT where he was a 1939 graduate of Thomaston High School.

On June 7, 1947 Bernard married Catherine Foote in St. Thomas Catholic Church, Thomaston, CT. 

Bernard helped on the family farm in Thomaston, later worked as an apprentice in an electrical business in Bloomfield, CT and in 1940 was a truck driver for Standard Express of Waterbury CT.

He entered the U.S. Army on December 2, 1942.  He was inducted at Fort Devens, MA, received his basic training at Fort Lee, VA, attended mechanic school in Bloomington, IL and took additional training with the 3803 Quartermasters Trucking Company, Camp McKoy, WI.  He participated in military maneuvers in TN, KY and GA.  He left Camp Shanks, NY on February 12, 1944, embarking aboard the Queen Mary at New York Harbor and arriving off the Scotland Coast on February 18, 1944.  He disembarked at Scotland and traveled to the barracks at Hereford, England where he was stationed and received equipment for the Normandy Invasion at Utah Beach, D-Day +2.  He served in the European Theatre which included service in France, Belgium, Holland and Germany, the Normandy Invasion, and the landing on Utah Beach. He received an Honorable Discharge on December 8, 1945. 

Bernard purchased the family farm and operated a dairy farm business in Connecticut for 10 years then moved to New York.  In 1957 they purchased their farm in New Berlin, NY.  They raised their family on Dilley Hill and resided there until 2014.  During those years he farmed and worked in trucking for Cossitt Trucking and Standard Brands.  During the 60’s he worked for USDA-ASCS and Soil Conservation Service and BOCES as a building maintenance instructor.  Barney then finished his working career with the United States Postal Service in Norwich, NY, retiring in December 1984.  After retiring he kept a small beef herd.  He and Catherine enjoyed traveling in their camper to see the USA and Canada, visiting many friends and relatives.  They also treasured their trip to Europe and saw Normandy, many years after the war.

Bernard was a member of the Teamsters Union, a 27 year member of the Beacon Grange #118, Northfield, CT., the Rural Mail Carrier’s Union, Agway and the NY Artificial Breeding Assoc.

He is survived by his wife of 67 years; his son Robert R. Danaher & wife Shirley of West Burlington, NY and daughter, Eileen D. Wright & husband Frank of Stevens, PA. He has 10 grandchildren, many great grandchildren and 2 sister-in-laws, Evelyn and Barbara Danaher.  He has been fondly called “Uncle Barney” by many treasured nieces and nephews.  Many cousins and extended family member share his rich “Irish heritage” and other share his link to the “Mayflower”.  He always was proud of his “Yankee Heritage”.

He was predeceased by his parents, his son Timothy B. Danaher Sr.; 4 sisters, Margaret LeHane, Ellen Mann, Mary Barnett and Catherine Darm; 6 brothers, Edward, Joseph, Robert, Steven, John and James Danaher; and 5 great grandchildren.

A funeral service including military honors will be held on Tuesday, February 17, 2015 2:00 PM at the Dakin Funeral Home LP, New Berlin, NY with Father Gerard F. Lupa officiating.  Calling hours will also be held on Tuesday from 1:00-2:00 PM prior to the funeral service.

The interment will be at Hillside Cemetery, Thomaston, CT at a later date.

Memorial donations may be made to the Fink Family or the Gorrell Family who recently lost their belongings in tragic house fires or the charity of one’s choice.