Donald C. Berninger
Donald C. Berninger, 84, a resident of Muncy, PA, passed away on Friday, April 24, 2015 in the Susquehanna Health Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Unit at Muncy Valley Hospital. Born in Numidia, Columbia County, PA, on Friday, November 7, 1930, he was the son of the late Wilbur and Nellie (Hughes) Berninger. Don was the husband of Jeanne (Ruckle) Berninger with whom he celebrated a 62nd wedding anniversary on June 7, 2014.
Don was a 1948 graduate of Bloomsburg High School and a graduate of Susquehanna University where he received his BA degree in Music Education. He was a member of the baseball team at Susquehanna and for many years held the school record for the most triples. He then received his masters degree in school administration and superintendent’s certificate from Penn State University.
He honorably served for four years with the US Navy during the Korean Conflict. Don was a graduate of the United States Naval School of Music. He was trumpeter with the Naval Presidential Guard at Arlington National Cemetery for all Naval burials during the Korean Conflict. He served in Argentia, New Foundland and with the 5th District Naval Band in Charleston, S.C. While in Charleston he played with the Charleston Symphony Orchestra.
Don began his career in education as the instrumental music teacher at Freeburg High School and then as the instrumental music teacher at Muncy High School. Under his leadership the Muncy High School band was invited to participate in the Cherry Blossom Festival at Washington, DC. Don was employed by the Muncy School District as the principal of Myers Elementary School for 24 years, retiring in 1985.
He was a member of Faith United Methodist Church at Montoursville, PA. Don was an Eagle Scout. He was a 33rd Degree Mason and a 50 year member of Muncy Lodge #299 Free and Accepted Masons. He was a member and past Commander-in-Chief of the Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rite, Valley of Williamsport. Don was director of the Williamsport Imperial Teteque Band for 16 years and composed several published musical compositions for the band. He also played in the Danville American Legion Band. A member of the Eagles Mere Rod & Gun Club, Don was an avid hunter and fisherman. He was a past president and member of the Muncy Cemetery Board, the Grand Marshall of Muncy’s Bicentennial Parade and was the Red Cross coordinator during the 1972 Flood.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by three children, Daniel and wife Rebecca Berninger, Muncy, PA; Douglas and wife Mary Lee Berninger, Berwick, PA; Diane and husband Dave Brink, Muncy, PA; three granddaughters, Dara Santos; Danielle Berninger; Breanne Phillips and one great-grandson, Crew Santos.
Funeral services will be conducted from the Faith United Methodist Church, 700 Fairview Drive, Montoursville, PA at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 2, 2015 with Reverend Larry L. Leland, Jr., his pastor, officiating.
Interment will be in the Muncy Cemetery with military honors by the Honor Guard of the Korean War Veterans of Lycoming County. Friends may call on Saturday from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. at the church where a Masonic memorial service will be conducted by Muncy Lodge #299 F. & A.M. at 9:00 a.m. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Disease Research, 22512 Gateway Center Drive, P.O. Box 1950, Clarksburg, MD 20871-1950. Arrangements are being handled by the Galen R. Betzer Funeral Service, 108 North Main Street, Muncy, PA. Please visit www.betzerfuneral.com to sign the guest book or send an e-condolence.