Bernard M McGarrigle

Bernie knew that no one would question your integrity if your integrity is unquestionable. When it came to right and wrong, there was no grey area. He understood that you help yourself by helping others, there was never a right way to do the wrong thing and that your reputation simply mirrored the value one placed on these high ideals. He passed these principles on to his family, many times by example: he was the former president of the Holy Name Society, an Usher at St. Peter’s for over 40 years, former president of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, active in the CYO, former Scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 25 and was a longstanding member of the choir. Blessed with natural charisma he was fast to strike up a conversation and was often called upon to MC events that helped raise funds for the church or served the community. But even with such accomplishments, he was never one to brag, and was always a gentleman.rnBernie is a veteran of the US Army and served with distinction in Africa, Italy, France, England, and Germany during WWII. Following the war, he joined the choir at St. Peter’s church where he met the love of his life, a beautiful young woman named Pauline Mosteller. It was not long until they began their 64 year marriage. Together they were blessed by their children: Bernard (Karen) of Minnesota, Geoffrey (Rita) of Virginia, Kevin (Suzie) of Delaware, Shaun (Michele) of Pennsauken and Tammy Fey (Keith) of Pennsauken, and again by their 18 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren.rnCome celebrate Bernard’s 90 wonderful years (May 23, 1920-Dec. 8, 2010) Sunday from 6-8 PM and Monday from 9-10 AM at the Sweeney Funeral Home, Riverside. Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 10:30 AM at Jesus the Good Sheppard Church, Riverside. Interment St. Peter’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Society, 101 Middleton St. Riverside, NJ 08075.rn