A graduate of St. Lawrence University, where he met his wife Catherine, he excelled in football and boxing and was later inducted into the St. Lawrence University Athletic Hall of Fame. Bernard went on to serve in the U.S. Army, attaining the rank of lieutenant. During that time, he won military and civilian boxing championships including both novice and open classes of the Golden Gloves. In the 1950s, he served as an FBI agent in charge of the night operations of the Chicago and New York Divisions. During his business career, Bernard owned the largest franchise of Canada Dry/Seven Up soft drinks and the real estate development company British American. Bernard was a best-selling novelist, most notably “Don’t Embarrass the Bureau” (1972), which resulted in an appearance on the “Today Show.” Bernard was the former publisher of The Paris Review and a producer of films and television shows.

Active in the community, Bernard was a trustee of the State University of New York Board of Trustees, and he served on the Olympic Regional Development Authority, the Nelson A. Rockefeller Empire State Plaza Council and the 825 Fifth Avenue Corporation. Bernard was a member of several clubs, including the Fort Orange Club, Albany; the Schuyler Meadows Country Club, Loudonville; and the Shaker Ridge Country Club, Albany.

An avid golfer, Bernard enjoyed his time on the golf course with friends. He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren at the family camp in Lake Placid.

Bernard is survived by his wife Catherine; son Christopher and wife Kendall; daughter Sarah and her husband Norman Livingston; daughter Jane and her husband Antony Loupessis; and grandchildren — Lila and Christopher Jr. Conners, Jack, Gregory and William Livingston, Alexander, Catherine and Parker Loupessis. Bernard is also survived by his sister Carol.

A private family service will be held in honor of Bernard. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to: New York State Writers Institute, Science Library 320, University at Albany, 1400 Washington Ave., Albany, NY 12222.

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