Brendan Murray, Supervisor

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Obituaries » Bernard G. Southerton

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U.S. Veteran
Obituary Viewed 14539 times
June 22, 1921 - September 3, 2015

Burial Date September 9, 2015

Funeral Home Hessling Funeral Home

Place of Service Saint Mary Magdalen

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Bernard Gerald Southerton, 94, of Honesdale, entered the gates of heaven on
Thursday, September 3, 2015 from his earthly home, surrounded by his family.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years, the former Florence G. Lau and his
three children and their spouses: Mary Anne and Randy Reichart,
Orangeville, PA; Joseph and Marirose Southerton, Lewisburg, PA; and James
and Maria Southerton, Lewisburg, PA.  Bernie was a proud grandfather.
Surviving are:  Sarah (Reichart) Swank, and husband, Scott; Timothy
Reichart, and wife, Breanna; Michael Southerton; Maria (Southerton)
McCorry, and husband, Kevin; Lucas Southerton, and wife, Angela; Emily
Southerton; Katherine Southerton; Jennifer Southerton; Matthew Southerton;
and Colette Southerton. Bernie also found delight in his three
great-grandchildren: Jameson Reichart; Clara Southerton; and Carver
McCorry, as well as one step-grandson, Jaxson Hoffman. He was the
much-loved brother-in-law of Theresa and Albert Henderson and Clarence
Rickard.

Born on June 22, 1921 in Honesdale, the son of the late George and Kathryn
(Myers) Southerton. He was predeceased by siblings William, (Alberta),
Robert (Ruth), George (Evelyn), Ruth (Bernard Jeko) and Marie (Leo Smith).

Bernie worked as an electrician, and he finished his working years with a
31-year career as a letter carrier with the post office.

Bernie was an outdoorsman in his day, and he loved nature, especially his
backyard birds.  He was also an avid baseball fan, and enjoyed watching the
New York Mets!

Bernie will always be known for his kindness and hospitality towards
others.  His generosity and genuine, easy smile will never be forgotten.
The way he treated his fellow man and family members cannot be surpassed.

Coming from the “Greatest Generation,” Bernie was a decorated World War II
veteran from the United States Army.  He received numerous military honors,
including the Purple Heart and four Bronze Stars.  Most notably, he endured
a brutal winter as a POW in Germany after his Jeep was ambushed and
overturned on a mission.  He was rendered unconscious from that attack, and
awoke to a six-month plight of unspeakable conditions, including a march to
Berlin.  He was a true hero in the greatest sense for what he did for our
country!

Bernie and his wife, Florence, were active members of the Honesdale area
Catholic churches. They attended weekly Mass, participated in Pre-Canna,
and said the Rosary together every day of their 63-year marriage.
Additionally, for the past 25 years, they embraced weekly, Eucharistic
Adoration at the chapel, in Honesdale. Bernie also wired the annual block
party from its inception to the last one.

Bernie will forever be loved by his wife, children, grandchildren, and
great-grandchildren.  The loving example he set forth will be emulated by
all with whom he was in contact.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, September 9 at
Saint Mary Magdalen Church, Honesdale, at 10:00 a.m. Interment with full
military honors will follow in Saint Mary’s Cemetery.  Friends may visit
Hessling Funeral Home, Inc., 428 Main St. Honesdale on Tuesday, 6 to 9.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Adoration Chapel in
Honesdale towards upkeep.

For well over a century, Hessling Funeral Home has offered traditional and non traditional services. We provide funeral services to all cultures and religious faiths. Making this difficult time a little easier for our families is our primary concern. In this spirit, we created our website, in which you will find information about our services and facilities, useful items such as directions, obituaries, and monuments. Please browse through our website and feel free to contact us with any questions that you may have.