Bernard McHugh

Bernard McHugh, affectionately known as Bernie, of Fort Lee, NJ passed away peacefully at the age of 87 on September 18, 2024. Born on October 24, 1936, in Kiltevna, Dunmore, County Galway, Ireland, Bernie immigrated to the United States in search of a bright future. He proudly enlisted in the U.S. Army in August 1959 and served his new country with honor until his discharge in July 1966. In November 1969, he became a naturalized American citizen, a moment of immense pride for him. Bernie was a man of remarkable resilience, hard work, and warmth. He owned and operated the Banner Delicatessen in Palisades Park, NJ, which was a gathering place for locals for many years. He later returned to school to pursue higher education. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Ramapo College in Mahwah, NJ, as an adult student, a testament to his commitment to self-improvement and perseverance. Bernie worked a variety of jobs over his lifetime to support his family, from running his deli to working at A&H Restaurant Supply and later contributing to the appetizer department at ShopRite. He also served as Director of Public Assistance for the Borough of Ridgefield, NJ where he established a walk-in food pantry to serve the community. His love for sports, especially the New York Mets and his beloved Galway football and hurling teams, brought him much joy over the years. Bernie was a man who loved to cook, his famous ribs, shrimp cocktail platters and St. Patrick's Day corned beef dinners will be fondly remembered by family and friends alike. He had a generous and kind spirit and enjoyed sharing stories of his childhood in Ireland, captivating listeners with his vivid storytelling. A great friend and a "smart shopper" known for his Costco finds, Bernie never missed an opportunity to show kindness and generosity to those in need. Predeceased by his beloved sisters Birdie and Mary Jo, and his brothers Thomas, Michael, John, and Richard, he is also reunited with his sisters-in-law Tessie, Millie, Moira, and Carmel and his brother-in-law, Conor Fahy. Bernie is survived by his daughter, Caroline Petermann and her husband Bradford, his son, Paul McHugh and his wife Therese, his ex-wife Mary, with whom he shared many fond memories, his brother Liam, and his cherished grandchildren Sarah (Sean) Prinz, Adam (Jennifer) Petermann, Dominic Calabria, and Brooke Warner. He will be dearly missed by his great-granddaughters Emmy Petermann and Madison Calabria. Bernie’s sister-in-law Maureen (Galway), as well as his many nieces, nephews, and dear friends—the Howleys, the Orefices, the Maurers, the Hartes, the Reddingtons—held a special place in his heart. His “adopted daughters” Fran Orefice and Maureen Weir were cherished by him and always took such good care of him. In his last days, he was especially grateful for the care provided by Eleen Bunting, a true angel on earth. Visitation will be held on Friday, November 1, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Volk-Leber Funeral Home, 268 Kinderkamack Road, Oradell, NJ. A memorial mass will take place on Saturday, November 2, at 11:00 am at Sacred Heart Church, 12 Terrace Ave, Rochelle Park, NJ. A private interment service will follow at a later date at Maryrest Catholic Cemetery, Mahwah, NJ. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Bernie’s memory to a charity of your choice. Bernie will forever be remembered as a loving man who embodied the true spirit of love, generosity, storytelling, and Irish-American pride. May he rest in eternal peace.

Bernard McHugh

October 24, 1936 - September 18, 2024