Obituary for Deacon Bernard Thomann
Thomann, Deacon Bernard – February 8, 1925 - October 30, 2022 - Beloved husband of the late June M. Thomann. Loving father of Kathleen (David) Lake, John (Christine) , Brian (Joanne), Kevin, Paul (Elena), David, Mary Anne (Donald) Luther and the late Dr. James Thomann. Father-in-law of Dr. Karen Thomann. Cherished grandfather of 36 grandchildren and 65 great grandchildren. Dear brother of the late Joseph (Florence), Dennis (Genevieve), Lorraine (Don) Rohring, Virginia (George) Hall, Mary Ann (Oscar) Roland and Madeline Thomann. Also survived by many nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends at the C. Mertz and Son Funeral Home, Inc., 911 Englewood Ave. on Wednesday, November 2nd from 3 to 7 PM. All are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial at St. John the Baptist Church (1085 Englewood Ave.) on Thursday, Nov. 3rd at 10:45 AM. Please Assemble at Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bernard's memory to St. John the Baptist Scholarship Fund or Mother Teresa Home (208 Stanislaus St., Buffalo, NY 14212. Please share condolences at www.mertzfh.com
After completing his service in the Navy during WW2, Bernie returned to Buffalo to marry the love of his life, June McGovern. They were married July 12th, 1947. James Bernard, The first of eight children was born the next year. He also joined the family business, Thomann Asphalt where he remained his entire working career. He was always looking for better ways to do things which resulted in three US patents.
In addition to the many demands of a large family and a personal business, Bernie was very involved in many religious and public services. Of particular note were his efforts at St John’s from the various spiritual activities to the many physical property projects.
He was ordained Deacon Bernard Thomann October 21, 1984. His first ministry was with the Diocesan Properties as Chairman of Finance and Building Grounds. Subsequently he founded and became director of the Lazarus Care center for the grieving and bereaved. He also continued to serve at St John the Baptist as deacon.
During these years Bernie was also a Participant and Consultant to many Life oriented organizations such as Life Chain, March for Life, and Operation Rescue to name a few. His efforts lasted into his early 90’s including many a Saturday standing in any and all weather conditions in support of the prayer sessions at the abortion clinic on Main St. Other than his family he was most proud of his efforts for the unborn.
After completing his service in the Navy during WW2, Bernie returned to Buffalo to marry the love of his life, June McGovern. They were married July 12th, 1947. James Bernard, The first of eight children was born the next year. He also joined the family business, Thomann Asphalt where he remained his entire working career. He was always looking for better ways to do things which resulted in three US patents.
In addition to the many demands of a large family and a personal business, Bernie was very involved in many religious and public services. Of particular note were his efforts at St John’s from the various spiritual activities to the many physical property projects.
He was ordained Deacon Bernard Thomann October 21, 1984. His first ministry was with the Diocesan Properties as Chairman of Finance and Building Grounds. Subsequently he founded and became director of the Lazarus Care center for the grieving and bereaved. He also continued to serve at St John the Baptist as deacon.
During these years Bernie was also a Participant and Consultant to many Life oriented organizations such as Life Chain, March for Life, and Operation Rescue to name a few. His efforts lasted into his early 90’s including many a Saturday standing in any and all weather conditions in support of the prayer sessions at the abortion clinic on Main St. Other than his family he was most proud of his efforts for the unborn.