Bernard "Bernie" John Wren

East Herkimer, New York-Bernard John Wren "Bernie" passed away unexpectedly on December 7, 2022.  He was a long-time resident of Main Road in East Herkimer.  He was 62 years old. 

Bernie was born on the Fourth of July 1960 and to say he was a firecracker would be an understatement.  He graduated from Herkimer High School in 1980 and spent his entire life in the beautiful Mohawk Valley.  He was a loyal member of the St. Francis de Sales Church in Herkimer where he regularly attended mass on Saturday nights.  He resided at the Nathan Galinsky Apartments in Herkimer where he was always lending a hand to any resident who needed help. 

You could always find Bernie at Stewarts every morning drinking hot chocolate and playing a few scratch off games.  Bingo on Tuesday night at Galinsky Apartments will not be the same without Bernie.  Painting on canvas became a passion of Bernie’s later in life and he built up a very extensive collection.  The family will be sharing all those paintings with you at his memorial service next year. 

Bernie was also a great athlete.  An avid basketball and tennis player.  He earned many awards over the years playing basketball for the NYS Special Olympic Team where he competed in tournaments all over New York State.  He once told his brother that he had more gold medals than Michael Phelps.  Bernie will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved him. 

Bernie was predeceased by his father Thomas Wren in 1986 and his mother Carol Wren in 2021.  He is survived by his many siblings; Gary (Sue) Wren of Redding, CA, Beverly (Rick) Spuhler of Oswego, NY, Kathleen MacCreery, Janice (Rick) Briggs of Goffstown, NH, Theresa (David) Battisti of St. Johnsville, NY, Thomas Wren Jr of East Herkimer, NY, Patrick (Sharon) Wren of Duanesburg, NY, and Daniel (Connie) Wren of East Herkimer, NY as well as his Aunt Joan, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. 

Donations can be made in Bernie’s name to the NYS Special Olympics.  Funeral arrangements are under the direction and care of Mohawk Valley Funerals and Cremations, 7507 State Route 5, between Little Falls and St. Johnsville, 315-508-5131.  A celebration of his life will take place on Saturday, June 17th, 2023 commencing at 11 am from MVFC.  Relatives and friends may pay their respects at the funeral home on Saturday, from 10 am until 11 am, prior to the service.