Bernard E. Hall

Bernard “Bernie” E. Hall, 84, of Marathon, NY passed away on Monday, February 23, 2015, at SUNY Upstate Medical Center, Syracuse, NY.

Born in Chenango Forks, NY on March 18, 1930, Bernie was the son of the late Clyde and Blanche Norton Hall.  He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Irene Copeland Hall; and his children, Kenneth (Donna) Hall of Cooperstown, Kathleen Hall of Cortland, Steven (Beth) Hall of Marathon, Cheryl (Larri) Leet of Marathon, Darryl (Kaye) Hall of Cortland, Lori (Thomas) Johnson of Pharsalia, and Bryan (Veronica) Hall of Marathon.  He also leaves behind 12 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; a sister, Joyce Neumann of Binghamton, and five nieces.  He was predeceased by his son, Russell Hall, in 1998, and a brother, Maurice Hall.

A resident of this area since 1956, he owned and operated a successful dairy farm in Marathon.  Due to his vision and stewardship during his tenure on the farm, he received repeated dairy management and production honors from the Dairy Herd Improvement Association for his excellence in farming.  He was an active committee member of the regional ASCS, member of Cortland Bulk Co-op and a Crowley producer.  

Continuing aspects of his early years as a gifted athlete, he grew to love golf in his later life, became a member of the Knickerbocker Country Club, was an avid bowler at Cincinnatus, Marathon and Cortlanes for many years, and loved hunting.  

Central to his nature was strength, integrity, deep dedication, and abiding love for family, friends, and community.   He became a surrogate father, guide and mentor to many, tirelessly offering his generosity of spirit and loving support with good humor and kindness. A loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather, he will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

A Celebration of Bernie’s Life will be held at the Marathon American Legion, Marathon, NY on Friday, February 27, 2015, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.  All are invited to join the family and share a favorite memory or story.  In lieu of flowers, please consider offering donations in Bernie’s memory to MAVAC, P.O. Box 132, Marathon, NY 13803, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or to a charity of one’s choice.