Rochester, NY: Bernard James Fagan, Aug 13th, 2021: Son of Richard & Mary Alice Fagan (O’Day). Affectionately referred to as ‘Bernie’ throughout his life, Bernard was a graduate of Caledonia High School and attended the University of Buffalo. In 1993, Bernie and teammates were inducted into the University of Buffalo Football Hall of Fame in recognition of their Lambert Cup winning (8-1) season (‘58). The ’58 Bulls famously declined a post-season Tangerine Bowl invitation (vs. FSU) after learning black teammates (Mike Wilson, Willie Evans) would not be allowed to participate. The discriminatory policy was that of a local district for the host stadium in Orlando, FL. This was the first post-season bowl invitation in Bulls history and six years before the civil rights act of 1964. The Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame has plans to recognize the team and induct coaches and players on Oct 14th , 2021. Details of the story are captured in the ESPN production of ‘Outside The Lines: All or Nothing’ (‘08).
Following college, Bernard enjoyed a 30 yr. teaching and coaching career with the Rochester City School District while raising a family in the Browncroft neighborhood of Rochester. His coaching highlights include winning a Section V outdoor track and field championship with East High School (’70-’75) and coaching Football at Edison Tech. Bernard finished his career teaching at Josh Lofton High School (86-’96). In recent years, Bernard enjoyed retirement in Green Valley, AZ.
Predeceased by wife, Charlene Martin (‘97), brother, Joseph (‘86). Survived by his wife, Susan Motten, brother, Richard (Suzanne), children: Kellie Mulvey (Kevin), Christopher (Cary), Barbara Fagan-Zelazny (Matthew), Martin (Patricia), Bernadette Regan (Patrick), Ben and Cassie Motten, 10 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.
Bernard’s Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 21st at 9:00am at Corpus Christi Church, 864 E. Main Street, Rochester NY 14605 with his Funeral Mass following at 10:00am. Graveside service immediately following, Mt. Hope Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
Susan, Kelly, Chris, Barbara, Marty, Bernadette, Dick and Sue. Our heartfelt condolences. He was a lifelong friend and I will miss him. Love, Rich and Joanne Wilkins
Great man…. great family….we pray for a legend and his family
We send our deepest sympathy to the Fagan Family.
Bob and Sandi DeBruycker. Avon NY
Our deepest condolences to the entire Fagan clan.
Our deepest sympathies to the Fagan family.
Sorry for your loss. Bernie seemed like a great man with great character.
My condolences to the family and especially to Barb.. What a legacy he leaves and I know you must all be very proud of him. To see that he stood up for People of Color way back then is admirable! Prayers and love for the family.
“Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.” Matthew 5:4
Praying that the family finds comfort and healing in the warm memories ~
My sincere sympathy to Bernie’s family. He was a great guy. With love. From Pat Serr
Condolences from the Serr family. We are thinking of you all during this time. Love, Betsy, John and Hilary Serr
I was a sports bug back in the 50’s. I guess it helped that my father, Coach “Zeb” Eaton , was the basketball and baseball head coach. I remember in the early 50’s going down to the Sports Arena in Rochester and watching Bernie and the rest of the Basketball Team dismantle Naples to win the Sect V, Class C sectionals. My memory says there was Bernie, Rich Wilkins, Pete Corneen, Albert Poles, Vic Capotelli, that’s all I remember right now. I remember Bernie because he was a BIG man standing next to little ol’ me. My dad was fortunate to have Bernie also play baseball (I think he was the Catcher). Anyway, he starred in 3 sports and was a stud. I can visualize Bernie now and remember his contribution to athletics at Caledonia-Mumford High School.
Bernie was the phys ed teacher and coach that could both motivate and calm students with his warm presence. He will be missed by many.
My deepest condolences to the entire family. A friend for a lot of years, so many fond memories all the way back to high school days. He will be missed. Ann Bernd Coffey
Ft Mill, SC.
Thinking of you all with love prayers 💗
So Sorry to hear of the passing of your Father/Dad/Grandfather and hoping your sadness soon turns to happy memories of good times had by all in earlier years. Big hugs to the Fagan Clan!!
Our thoughts are with your family in this tough time. A great man and will be missed.
So so sorry. Was wonderful man and so honored to have known him. What an incredible life he had. Life well lived . You are missed ❤
Went first to 12 th grade with Bernie in the Cal-Mum Class of 1956. We were a small class and have all remained life-long friends. Many great memories of Bernie! Rest In Peace.
bernie was the best coach i ever had. corfy, NY high school football team 7-0 in 1963 all due to to coach fagan