Bernard Buttone Sr.
February 27, 1957 - April 24, 2020
Lynden, WA
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Bernard Buttone Sr.
February 27, 1957 - April 24, 2020
Lynden, WA
Obituary
Bernard Albert Buttone Sr., “Breeze”, passed away on April 24, 2020 at St. Joseph Hospital in Bellingham with his partner, Marlene Ness, nearby. Bernard was a fun-loving father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend.
On February 27, 1957, Bernard was born in New York City to the late Mozella Buttone. As a young man, along with his twin brothers Gary and Gregory, he moved to 1520 Sedgewick Ave. in the Bronx. It was here where he would meet many lifelong friends and his first wife. All who he encountered and conversed with knew of his affinity for the family and community that he grew up with. His impeccable memory, attention to detail, and infectious laughter made his retelling of colorful stories from his childhood vivid and personal. He was a phenomenal athlete, a protector, a mentor, and a great friend to all of those who knew him.
Bernard was a proud graduate of New York City PS# 82 and Samuel Gompers Vocational Technical High School in 1975, both located in the Bronx. In 1978, Bernard Sr. enlisted in the Air Force, where he would find an opportunity to hone in on his technical skills as an electric engineer on airplanes. During his 14 years of service he was stationed in North Carolina, New Jersey, the United Kingdom, and Colorado. While in the Air Force, Bernard Sr. married his first wife and longtime friend, Kim David, and the two of them had a son, Bernard Jr., and a daughter, Kia.
He would eventually move and settle to the Pacific Northwest in 1993 where he would reconnect with his childhood friend, Fred Collins. While in Bellingham, he met his second wife, Rebecca, and became step-father to her two sons, Bob and Michael, and her daughter, Michelle.
His work ethic was unparalleled and he immensely enjoyed working as a Teamster and driving his tractor trailer, taking in all of the miraculous scenery and wonders of nature around the Pacific Northwest. The always cordial, happy, and sometimes on time attitude touched many people at LTI, and they also had an important impact on his life.
Bernard was an avid sports fan and, as a proud New Yorker, supported all teams from New York. His intellect, robust vocabulary, and general knowledge about a multitude of subjects made him a captivating conversationalist able to connect with and communicate with people of all walks of life. Bernard Sr. was the epitome of strength, a true fighter to his core, yet his charismatic presence and tenderness gave you genuine feelings of comfort and understanding.
He will be greatly missed and leaves to cherish his memory his son, Bernard Buttone; daughter, Kia Gill; daughter-in-law, Ariadne Buttone; son-in-law, Malcom Gill; grandchildren, Caio, Luca, Renan, and Nia; brothers, Gary Jones and Gregory Jones, and a host of family and close friends.
5 responses to Bernard Buttone Sr.
Lu Jackson says:
June 25, 2020
Bernard will be greatly missed.
There is an empty place where there once was light and laughter. My sincere condolences to all of his family.
William S. Procope Jr. says:
August 24, 2020
Your Surely Be Missed!
Max Muhammad says:
November 24, 2020
one of the most intelligent and wisest souks that i ever knew my life on the west coast wouldn’t be complete had i not known bernard. life aint the same, sports,music,politics,love,travel,you name the topic and brother bernard could go to town, going to miss a brother, however you dont have to suffer no more, prayers and peace, love maximillian muhammad
Tracy Valvona says:
November 24, 2020
I only met Bernard a handful of times but his impact on me was huge. I will never forget his kindness towards me. He was a good, caring soul and his presence will be greatly missed. God bless you Bernard.
Maximillian Muhammad says:
November 25, 2020
one of the most intelligent and deepest people i have ever met, no matter what the subject or topic conversation and takes were deep and profound. heaven has a strong soul brother who will be wings for so many, prayers and thoughts go out to his family and friends, we miss you brother B, respect by your name always