Bernard (Bernie) Edward Colligan of Fairport, NY, passed away peacefully on May 27th, surrounded by his family. He was born in Schenectady, NY, on December 11, 1949, and was predeceased by his parents, Bernard Michael and Marie (Dussault) Colligan of Colonie, NY.
Bernie is survived by his wife of 57 years, Mary Ann (McGuire) Colligan, also of Schenectady, NY; his three children, Bernard Fitzgerald Colligan of Atlanta, GA, Stephen David Colligan of Macedon, NY, and Michele Lorraine Colligan of Fairport, NY; and his grandchildren, Sean Michael Colligan of Fairport, NY, and J’La Major of New York, NY. He is also survived by his brothers, Michael Colligan (Valorie) of Ballston Lake, NY, and John Colligan (Elizabeth) of Brunswick, NY, and by his sister, Theresa Lyons (Keith) of Columbia, South Carolina.
Bernie graduated from Bishop Gibbons High School in Schenectady in 1967 and served in the U.S. Coast Guard Reserves from 1968 to 1974 as a machinery technician on the USS Unimak. He began his 46-year career at Xerox in 1968 as a business machine mechanic in Albany, NY. Throughout his career, Bernie was known for his technical expertise, his ability to drive results, and his skill in building effective teams. These qualities led him to increasingly larger roles, starting as a Program Manager overseeing domestic programs, and eventually culminating in a global assignment where he successfully led the integration and rollout of major centralized IT systems across multiple European regions.
In retirement, Bernie enjoyed fishing with his grandson, traveling to England and throughout Europe, researching and trading stocks, and discussing the issues of the day with his coffee buddies along the canal in Pittsford. On Sunday mornings, he and Mary Ann were regulars for breakfast at Durf’s Family Restaurant in Fairport.
Throughout his life, Bernie was a source of support, wisdom, and strength to everyone in his orbit. Always ready to lend a hand, fix something, or work on a home project with his brothers, he was beloved by family, friends, and coworkers alike, and he will be deeply missed.
Calling Hours and a short service will be held on Monday, June 9th, from 4–7 PM at the Richard H. Keenan Funeral Home (7501 Pittsford Palmyra Rd., Fairport, NY 14450). A Private family burial will take place the following day at White Haven Memorial Park Cemetery on Marsh Rd. in Pittsford, NY.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Bernie’s memory may be made to the Traumatic Brain Injury Research Fund at Strong Memorial Hospital, in recognition of the wonderful care and support provided by the Neuromedicine ICU staff during his stay. Donations can be made by designating the fund name in the comments at https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/strong-memorial/friends-of-strong/donate or by mailing a check to Friends of Strong Memorial Hospital, 601 Elmwood Ave., Box 660, Rochester, NY 14642, noting the fund name in the comments.
17 responses to “Colligan, Bernard E.”
“Support wisdom and strength”, you don’t leave a better legacy than that. Though I only knew Bernie through his brother John, I was in awe of his guiding role in the lives of his family. May we all be so fortunate as to leave a lasting mark on those we love.
God Bless Bernie
A life well lived leaves behind a legacy of love, grace and joy. May all of Bernie’s family find peace in the comfort of your many memories.
What a beautiful post. I only met Bernie once but have been friends with his wife, Mary Ann for about 5 years. I feel like I knew what a exordinary person Bernie was. I am so sorry for my friend but know that her family and friends will always have our arms around her.
What a remarkable life’s journey indeed, one that speaks volumes of challenges faced that were always met and completed with accomplishment and pride. Our acquaintances with Bernie were always fondly remembered through Bernie’s brother John, at Lake George, or other special events when their family gathered for happy occasions. It was a pleasure to meet him and know him, Our thoughts, prayers and sincerest sympathies are with you all.
Sending my sincere condolences to all who loved him.
Cathy
Dear MaryAnn and Family,
Conor & I were very saddened to hear of Bernie ‘s passing. Please accept our heartfelt condolences.
I had the privilege of working on some projects with Bernie and always appreciated his professionalism, kindness, and gracious nature. When I was over to Rochester for business, the trip on his boat was always a highlight.
He left a lasting impression on everyone who had the honor of knowing him.
May you find comfort in the many warm memories you shared together, and may the love and support of those around you bring peace in the days ahead.
With deepest sympathy,
Sophie & Conor (from Dublin, Ireland)
Bernie was my first cousin and we shared many wonderful family times while growing up. Both of us were offspring in the large Dussault clan. Sadly though as we all moved on in our own lives and our parents passed away those childhood connections also faded. Bernie reading this tribute to you gives me a glimpse of the wonderful like you lived and provided to others. My heartfelt condolences to your family
I worked with and for Bernie at Xerox with our careers intersecting a number of times. Always the gentleman Bernie led by example and genuinely cared for his team. Even though it’s been twenty years since our last hand shake upon my retirement I still think of him often, a fine man and friend.
Working with Bernie was always a pleasure. He was generous and kind but had an uncanny ability to ask you the one question you were unprepared for. It inspired me to be my best.
My years spent in Bernie’s orbit were some of the best of my career. He was a model leader and real gentleman.
Mary Ann: As a dispatcher, I had the pleasure of working with Bernie when he first began his career at Xerox in Albany. We were so young back then! He was a wonderful technician from day one and was so polite and respectful of his coworkers and customers. I felt such sadness to hear of his passing. Know I care and send you comforting words at this difficult time.
Dear Mary Anne, So sorry to hear about the loss of your husband. I never met him but sounds like a wonderful person. I met Mary Anne in our water class together. Beautiful lady. I’m thinking of you and your family. Fondly Sandy and Steve Schmaltz
I am praying that your family can navigate through your time of loss and grieving. John , you describe Bernie as your big brother and your hero, You are blessed to call him brother!
My sympathy to the Colligan family. Bernie was a great guy and a great addition to our coffee group. I took advantage of his IT skills and had him fix a computer problem-a real master. We’ll meet again Bernie. God Bless.
Such a great guy. He will be missed.
Dear Mary Ann, Lee and I send our heartfelt sympathies on learning of the death of Bernie so suddenly. I know Mary Ann from swim classes and Lee has been in art classes with Mary Ann. Although we only met Bernie briefly, his obituary speaks so well of him . Please know that we are thinking of you and your family.
Mary Ann- A note from your neighbor Mary & Geoff A.K.A The Mayor & The Mayors Mare –
We are so fortunate to have you & Bernie as our neighbors for so many years
Bernie & Geoff would Master Mind so many Cove projects together .
We will miss him dearly.
And we are here 24/7 for you!
Great leader. Great times.