Frederick P. Bernockie

April 5, 1918 - May 30, 2015

Frederick "Fred" Bernockie passed away peacefully Saturday, May 30th at the home of Karen and Buzz Sheak, his loving caregivers. Many of his family were at his bedside to join in the prayers that were spoken by Hospice Chaplain Stan Webster, giving him peace and wishing him a safe journey. He was the son of Frederick Paul and Sarah Ann (Kellerhouse) Bernockie. He was born in Hudson on April 5, 1918 and lived his whole life in Hudson. He was predeceased by his parents, his sisters, Anna Stickles, Katherine Bishop, and Elizabeth Jeffers, and his only brother, Arthur Bernockie. Fred joined the Army in 1942 and served in Europe until his discharge in 1945. He had some of the most interesting stories to tell his family. He left for Scotland in December 1942 on the Queen Mary out of New York City, with the ships stabilizer's dismantled for speed and detection by enemy subs. Destroyers couldn't keep up with the Queen Mary because of the speed needed to get the men to their destination so the ship went unprotected. They ran into a terrible storm in the Atlantic off the coast of Scotland, according to the New York Times, the ship came 5 degrees from capsizing. These stories we will miss. He is one of the few surviving members of the "Flying Dutchmen", a club created in the 30's by a group of young men living and growing up in the area around Allen and Union between 2nd and 3rd Streets. They were a close group of young men, remaining friends throughout their adult lives. Uncle Fred became a mail carrier in the 50's and remained a Postman until his retirement at the age of 65, at that time he began the second and maybe the most important career of his life, a volunteer at the Columbia Greene Humane Society. He has through the years given of himself in a way that is almost unheard of in today's society. The people he worked with throughout these years, he considered "family" and they felt the same about him. There was no job too difficult, too distasteful or tiring that he didn't undertake. He loved to walk the dogs, clean their cages and generally give them love. As his health deteriorated he still visited the shelter to see his dogs and dispense treats. Animals can sense goodness and they found it in him. Through the years he was always there for his family and friends, always giving, never asking for anything in return. Very simple, very humble. Another one of the joys in his life was his love of fishing. He was an expert at tying flies and his successes on the water tell us how great he was at his craft. Anything we needed to know about how to fish, when to fish, whatever-he knew. He was a life member of the Hudson Fish and Game Club and H. W. Rogers Hose Co. #2. He is survived by his dear sister Lillian Alger, many close nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, Godchildren and good friends. We lost a loving Brother, a loving Uncle, a wonderful Friend, God got another Angel. There will be no calling hours. There will be a private service for the family Wednesday at Bates and Anderson Funeral Home. If you would like, in lieu of flowers, a donation in Fred's name could be made to Columbia Greene Humane Society, 120 Humane Society Road, Hudson, NY, 12534 or Columbia Greene Hospice, 47 Liberty St., Catskill, NY, 12414.