Bernard A. Grome

Bernard “Bernie” Grome, 83, passed away Sunday, August 21, 2016, at Crouse Irving Hospital in Syracuse, NY after a brief struggle with cancer. He was born in Binghamton, NY on October 7, 1932 and spent much of his youth in South Onondaga, NY. Bernie was the son of the late Joseph and Helen (Thelma) Grome, being the middle son of five brothers. Bernie married Linda Bardwell July 6, 1957 and they recently celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary. Together they raised two children, John and Karen. He was a life long resident of Otisco, NY; former member of the Otisco Presbyterian Church, and more recently Amber Congregational Church; a veteran serving in the United States Army, stationed in both the US and Europe; and a member of the Operating Engineers Union Local 545. Bernie was always tinkering with something mechanical when he was young and continued to do so throughput his life. It only seemed natural that he would eventually choose to become an Operating Engineer. He could fix anything and operate any piece of equipment he put his hands on! He could carry a grade by eye with a backhoe bucket better than most operators with surveying assistance. Many of the streets in Syracuse and surrounding highways (690, 81), Bernie had a hand in building. He worked gas mains and electrical power lines throughout Central New York, along with many years helping to build portions of 9-Mile Point Nuclear Facility in Oswego, NY. Following his retirement, Bernie continued to take an active role in the Operating Engineers Union and taught crane school. Earlier this year he was honored for his dedicated service of Local 545. If this wasn’t enough, he also operated his own small construction business along side his full-time career for many years. This was truly his passion and he loved his work. Up to the very end of his life he continued to operate his backhoe. Bernie also loved his vegetable garden. So, did his neighbors! Because Bernie always grew more than he could use, giving away the fruits of his labors to neighbors, friends, and family. For many years he also enjoyed keeping a small farm raising ducks, geese, turkeys, rabbits, beef, and horses. He loved animals and his dogs were his close companions; first Mandy and then Jake. Jake accompanied Bernie just about everywhere he went. After his retirement Bernie spent hours in his woodshop over the garage repairing antique furniture and a variety of woodworking projects. He loved deer hunting and spent several summers in the Florida Keys deep-sea fishing with a longtime friend and colleague. He carried a brilliant smile and infectious laugh. When Bernie started telling stories or jokes, you’d better plan on spending the afternoon (or night). The most amazing thing was he continued to hold onto this art to the very end, entertaining family with stories his last few days in the hospital. He had a strong sense of community. Throughout his adult life Bernie was there to lend a hand to his family, friends, and neighbors. From putting shingles on the church, to repairing a neighbor’s furnace, to pulling someone out of the ditch, plowing a neighbors driveway in the middle of a winter storm, or to helping his son our daughter with their homes; Bernie was always there. If he said he was going to do something, you could count on him 100%! In addition to his loving wife, Linda; and his four-legged buddy, Jake; Bernie is survived by his son, John Grome; daughter, Karen (Scott) Allen; brothers, Gary (Virginia) Grome and Robert Grome; and five grandchildren, Erica, Matthew, Julie, Jamie, and Heath; along with many other family and friends who grew to love him. Calling hours will be held on Friday, August 26, 2016, from 10:00A to 12:00P at Ballweg & Lunsford Funeral Home, Inc., 2584 Field Lane, LaFayette, NY 13084. A funeral service will be held at Noon at the funeral home. Burial will be at Elmwood Cemetery, Preble, NY following the funeral service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bernie’s name to Amber Congregational Church, 2366 Otisco Valley Road, Marietta, NY 13110.

Bernard A. Grome

October 7, 1932 - August 21, 2016