Bernard Berwick Biniker

Bernard B. Biniker Bernard Berwick Biniker, 94, passed away on February 7, 2017. Bernie was born on December 28, 1922 in Toledo to Basil and Bertha (Emch) Biniker. Bernie was a devoted husband to his wife Alice (McCarthy) of 67 years and proud father to Dr. Barry (Holley) Biniker, Deb Baymiller, and Nick (Jane) Biniker. He was a beloved Poppa to his eight grandchildren, their spouses, and his seven great-grandchildren. Bernie, affectionately called “Wick” by many, attended Libbey High School and was drafted in 1942 when he was 20 years old. After nine months of basic training, he spent 27 months overseas in World War II, serving as a Staff Sergeant in the Pacific Islands; Manila, Philippines; and Tokyo, Japan. Even in the hardest of times, his witty, devilish personality was always apparent – as many years later he still retold the story of driving a weapons carrier full of guys to a dance in Manila and getting pulled over for driving on the wrong side of the street. Returning home from war in January 1946, he returned to work at Toledo Edison and began a 67 year love story with Alice. They were married in 1950, and Bernie then began his career as a talented finish carpenter at the family business, Biniker Construction. Bernie was a man of simple pleasures – he always had a smile on his face. He saw the good in others and was not quick to judge. His family always came first, and he never passed up the chance to share a manhattan with a friend. It was never unusual for his “Silver Bullet” conversion van to pull in the driveway to cut his kids’ grass, cleanup leaves, help with a home project, or pick up his boys for a round of golf with lawn chairs in the back. His humor, his spirit, and his example will live on for many years, as we fondly toast his memory with a Crown Royal. Bernie is preceded in death by his brother Basil Jr.; sister Beatrice Denman, and her twin sister Bertina, who died at birth. The family will receive guests from 1-5 p.m. on Sunday, February 12th at Coyle Funeral Home, 1770 S. Reynolds Road. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, February 13th in the funeral home with Fr. Robert Reinhart officiating. Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of Northwest Ohio, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or to the charity of your choice. Please view and sign the guest registry at www.coylefuneralhome.com

Bernard Berwick Biniker

December 28, 1922 - February 7, 2017