Gary Bruce Berndt

Gary was born June 4, 1946, in Jamestown, N.Y., to Edmund and Cathryn (Budd) Berndt. Gary graduated from Cassadaga Valley Central School class of 1964. He received his bachelor’s degree in sociology from Fredonia State University.

He married his wife Mary C. Peterson on July 19th 1969.

Gary was employed by the Chautauqua County Social Services Department where he was a case worker and eventually supervisor of the Child Protection Services. He retired in July of 2001, after 33 years of service.

In his retirement he and his wife owned and operated the GML Market in Greenhurst, N.Y. He also drove for the Chautauqua Area Regional Transit System CARTS for 10 years.

Gary was a member of both the Fluvanna and Stockton Volunteer Fire Departments. He served as a volunteer for both departments including the role of chief in Stockton.

Gary is survived by his wife, Mary; daughter, Lisa (Aaron) Richner; the apple of his eye his grandson, Noah Richner and the joy of his heart his grand-daughter, Maya Richner. He is also survived by his nieces: Jennifer (Clark) Issler, Pamela (Larry) Arnold and Cheryl (Wade) Fricker.

He was predeceased by his parents and two brothers: Arden and Bruce Berndt.

Friends will be received on Friday, May 21 from 6-8 p.m., at Jordan Funeral Home in Sinclairville N.Y. A private family burial will be held on May 22. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Visitors to the funeral home are reminded to wear face coverings and practice social distancing.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Stockton or Fluvanna Volunteer Fire Departments or a children’s charity of their choice.