Obituary of Bernard Anthony Rexford

Bernard Rexford passed away peacefully in the comfort of his own home after a long battle with cancer with his loving wife and children by his side. He was 84. He was the son of the late Leo and Mary Hartman Rexford, born on November 24, 1930 in Loch Sheldrake, NY. Bernard proudly served his country as a Corporal in the US Army from 1951-1953. He received a commendation ribbon for meritorious achievements with the 2nd Infantry Division in Korea, as a track vehicle mechanic in Battery C of the divisions 12th field artillery battalion. He was a dedicated member of the IUOE Local 825 for 55 years, working at Sullivan Highway Products in Bridgeville, NY. Bernard dedicated his life to God as a faithful parishioner and commentator at the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Woodbourne for many years. He was an avid sailor, building his first sailboat in his living room mooring the boat on Loch Sheldrake Lake where he spent many years growing up. He taught all of his grandchildren how to sail developing a love for the sport and feeling the wind in your face. He is survived by his devoted wife of 64 years Beatrice, his loving children Mark Rexford, Timothy Rexford, Peter (Ann) Rexford, David (Karen) Rexford, Marianne (Jay) Litzman and Bernadette (Gary MacIntosh) Rexford, his grandchildren Joshua (Samantha) Litzman, Katherine (David) Corvi, Matthew Lawrence, Alexandra Litzman, Michael, Matthew, Anna and Kristina Rexford and great grandson Jacob Litzman, and a host of friends. He was predeceased by his brothers Richard Rexford and Leo Rexford Jr., and one sister Ruth Ann Mickelson. Visitation will be on Thursday, August 27, 2015 at Colonial Memorial Funeral Home, 396 State Route 52 Woodbourne, NY 12788 from 4-6:00pm. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Friday, August 28, 2015 at the Church of the Immaculate Conception 6317 State Route 42 Woodbourne, NY 12788 at 10:00am Father Lynch will officiate. Interment will follow at Hillside Cemetery, Woodbourne, NY. In lieu of flowers donations in Bernard's name can be made to Hospice of Orange and Sullivan Counties, 800 Stony Brook Court, Newburgh, NY 12550 or the Church of the Immaculate Conception PO Box 66 Woodbourne, NY 12788. Arrangements were under the direction of Colonial-Bryant Funeral Homes, for further information please call 845-434-7363 or visit www.colonialbryantfuneralhome.com.