Bernard R. Salber

Ontario: January 16, 2026. Bernard is predeceased by his parents, Clemens & Anna Salber; daughter, Karen Brisson; his siblings, Margaret Salber (Thomas) DuMontier, Clemens “Bud” Salber (Lillian Simpson), and Delores Salber (Ralph) Wicks. He is survived by his wife, Joan (Nersinger) Salber; children, Catherine (Jay) Milliman, Ann (Albert Cabral) Duckett, Suzanne (Thomas) Kelly, Lisa (Mark Rowley) Salber; son-in-law, Kevin Brisson; 15 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, and 9 great-great-grandchildren.

Bernard’s life story will be shared during his visitation at the funeral home, 1411 Vintage Lane (Between 390 & Long Pond Rd.) Friday, January 30th, 3-6 PM. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated, Saturday, January 31st, 9:30 AM at Sacred Heart Cathedral, 296 Flower City Park. Immediately following, Bernard will be laid to rest in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.

Bernard R. Salber’s Lifestory

Ann E. Duckett
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
1.26.26

The youngest of four children, Dad was welcomed into a warm and loving family by his parents Clemens and Anna, and siblings Bud, Margaret, and Delores. The family resided on Reminton St., in Rochester, NY.

A graduate of Aquinas Institute, Dad studied Latin, one of his favorite subjects. Of course, knowing Latin helped him recite the Mass when serving as an Altar Boy. Once, when approached about his interest in becoming a Roman Catholic Priest, Dad commented, “No thank you, I have other plans.”

Those plans eventually involved marrying Joan Catherine Nersinger. Introduced by friends at Dad’s house, their courtship progressed and soon Tenderly became their song. They were married on April 11, 1953, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church.

Just two months later, life took a detour from Rochester to Fort Cambell, Kentucky, where Dad served in the United States Army during the Korean War, 82th Airborne Division (a very well-known division). Assigned as a Paramedic, Dad was never dispatched abroad and only ever recalled treating someone who parachuted into a tree resulting in a broken leg. He earned both a National Defense Service Medal and a Good Conduct Medal. He was Honorably Discharged on May 15, 1955.

Decades later, Dad was part of a group of US Military Veterans who were awarded a trip to Washington, DC, through Honor Flight Rochester. Upon his return home, he was awed and humbled by the incredible welcome from family and friends, along with hundreds of supporters.

As an Eastman Kodak Company employee, Dad engaged his scientific and research skills as a Chemist in the Paper Division. There are a few patents out there with his name on them, together with co-workers from his department.

Dad brought light and peace to the world. His love and devotion to Mom and us girls – Cathy, Karen, Ann, Sue, and Lisa – never wavered. His gentle manner, kindness, and sweet nature provided us comfort and security. He was humble and honorable, and his integrity was beyond measure. He was generous with his quick wit and sense of humor.

Dad’s brilliant and curious mind led him from poetry to pros, collections of stamps, coins, books, and trains, interests in earthly things and the brilliant night sky. His love of photography captured the special view of the world he held. He was happy in the garden and anywhere outdoors, particularly at their timeshare at Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe, Vermont.

His love of genealogy was rooted in history, and his research was woven into enchanting stories of kings, knights, setters, defenders, crusading women, and the innocent caught up in Witch Trials of Salem.

He loved the Yankees, rooted for the Bills, and cheered us on through life’s greatest challenges. In Dad’s view, a loss was a win as long as we did our best.

Dad’s interest in music must be noted, though he would tell you he wasn’t the best student when it came to learning the piano. His mother was patient when he didn’t put in the time practicing; she set the bar high with her own grace and musical ability. From blues to jazz and the boogie woogie blues, he played his favorite songs on the piano by memory. He and Mom appreciated all the greats – Gershwin, Glen Miller, Oscar Petterson.

Dad leaves a legacy of love with his wife and daughters, each one of his 15 grandchildren, 28 great grandchildren, and nine great-great grandchildren. God blessed us with the joy and delight of calling this remarkable man our Father.