Bernard R. Malara (Bernie) was born in Yonkers, New York on July 6, 1932, the second of three children to Helen and Anthony Malara. His family is saddened to announce his passing on Memorial Day, May 25, 2026. He was 93 years old.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years Cathie, son Anthony, daughter-in-law Jessica and three beautiful, dynamic, grandchildren Jack, Liam and Margo.
His late daughter Cynthia Malara passed away in 2006.
Growing up in Yonkers, in the 1930s and 40s, Bernie was an avid New York Giants fan (the baseball team), pitched for his High School, was a boy scout and worked at his father’s candy store. After High School, he put himself through college at night while working at the Otis Elevator company. He graduated from Fordham University in 1956, and then returned to Fordham, obtaining a master’s degree in physics in 1963.
He was a kayak and canoe racer, competing at the national level in the 1950s. He remained an avid kayaker and lover of the outdoors well into his later years.
After teaching high school in the Bronx, he moved to Long Island where he taught at the New York Institute of Technology prior to joining Physics Department at the State University of New York at Farmingdale in 1965. In 1970, long before the computer became commonplace, he published an article advocating for their use as a standard within college level physics curriculums. He was a proponent of the environment, and authored first of their kind courses on the environmental impacts of energy production and pollution in the 1980’s. He was a life-long educator, teaching for over 50 years before retiring in 2012.
He and Cathie raised their two children on Long Island, making frequent appearances at the beach, often with a kayak tied to the top of their car. His daughter Cynthia shared, among other things, Bernie’s love for water and his remarkable aptitude for languages.
Bernie and Cathie moved to Rockland County after his retirement, across the river from his native Yonkers, to be closer to the next generation of their family.
Visiting hours are Friday, June 12, 2026 from 5-7 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Avenue, Northvale, NJ. A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, June 13, 2026 at 10 AM at St. Gabriels Church, Saddle River, NJ. Following the mass, Bernie will be laid to rest next to his daughter Cynthia at the family plot in Warwick Cemetery, Warwick, NY.
In memory of Bernard Malara in lieu of flowers please consider donations to:
The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation
https://curemeso.givecloud.co/product/D7D9256/donate-today
Riverkeeper
https://engage.riverkeeper.org/give
Villa Marie Clair Hospice
https://www.villamarieclaire.org/donate
www.pizzifuneralhome.com
When George and I think of Bernie we think of him as we knew him. In his undershirt around the house…sharp, witty, ready to make his point with his dry sense of humor and a warm, endearing smile that made us feel welcome whenever we were together.
We know Bernie (Bern) valued his solitude and really wasn’t one to seek out social gatherings BUT when you Cath, had us over for appetizers, dinners, swims in the pool and pizza our time spent together was HAPPY and FUN! Bernie’s presence was unique and the memories he left us with are lasting ones. We were so fortunate to be your neighbors in both East Farmingdale and East Northport (and with Anthony, Cynthia, and then Andrew and Lauren)!
We know these last few years have been difficult as his eyesight, hearing and overall health changed and although we saw much less of him if at all, in our hearts he will ALWAYS be the Bern we knew and so enjoyed!
George and I are holding you , Anthony and your family in our heart of hearts
May his memory be a blessing