Bernard P. Chodak

Wilder, VT – Bernard P. Chodak, 87, died Friday December 17th at the Veterans Affair Medical Center in White River Jct., VT.

He was born August 30, 1923 in Brooklyn, NY a son of Abraham and Sarah (Rifkin) Chodak. Bernie grew up and received his schooling in Brooklyn before serving in the US Army during World War II. He returned to New York where he worked as a clerk in the financial industry for many years. He married Ruth Milchman in 1983. They moved to Manchester, NH for a time before moving to the Upper Valley where they have lived since, most recently in Wilder.

While living in New York, Bernie enjoyed volunteering to help people with mental health challenges. Upon moving to the Upper Valley he began working as a patient sitter at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, NH. He was a member of the Unitarian-Universalist Congregation in Norwich where he belonged to the Men's Group. He was a lifetime member of the Veteran's of Foreign Wars Post 2571 in White River Jct. and former member of the White River Lions Club.

Bernie enjoyed writing and memorizing poetry and humoring others with puns he had written. He also enjoyed exercise, yoga and word puzzles.

He is survived by his wife Ruth Chodak of Wilder, a step daughter Lisa Milchman of Chelsea, VT and two step grandchildren Fiona and Galen Milchman. He was predeceased by a brother and a sister.

Friends may call at the Knight Funeral Home in White River Jct. Tuesday from Noon until 1PM. A funeral service will follow at 1PM at the funeral home with Bruce Johnson of the Norwich Unitarian-Universalist Congregation officiating. Burial will be in the Hartford Cemetery.