Born on January 31, 1947, in Wellsville, he was a son of Robert E. and Isabelle Linza Hawks. On February 22, 1969, in Friendship, he married the former Julie A Graves who survives.

Bernie was a graduate of Richburg Central Schools Class of 1966 where excelled in sports. He served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War from 1966-68. For his service he received the Vietnam Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with Bronze Service Star, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device 60.

His entire working career was in Tire Sales, but retired from Valley Tire Co., in Olean after 40 years in the tire industry.

Bernie was an active member of the Cuba Methodist Church where he served in many board positions and the Cuba American Legion Post 655. He had coached the Cardinals Little League Team during his son’s youth and was a basketball referee for many years. He was well known in the area for selling tires and attending sporting events.

In addition to his wife of 54 years, Julie, he is survived by a son, Brian (Tammy) Hawks of Gettysburg, PA; a daughter, Lisa Hawks of Belfast; 2 grandchildren, Ashton (Adam) Cerow of Binghamton and Jacob Hawks of Gettysburg, PA; a brother-in-law, Richard (Carolyn) Graves of West Clarksville; 2 sisters-in-law, Sylvia Clement and Sandra (Marshall) Allen both of Cuba; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sisters, Laura Sloan, Marion (Mead) McCollister, and Marlene (Milton) Rogers and a brother-in-law Jan Clement.

Friends will be received at the Mark F. Rinker Funeral Home & Memorial Service, Inc., 9 Bull Street, Cuba, on Wednesday, January 31, 2024 from 1-3 P.M. at which time a Celebration of Life Service will be held. The Rev. Rebecca Worth, will officiate.

Bernie will be laid to rest in Bath National Cemetery, Bath New York.