Bernard R. Wahl

Rochester – Bernard Ralph Wahl. Born on July 27, 1931 in Rochester NY to Mildred Staub Wahl and Herbert Wahl. Bernie passed away peacefully at
home on July 6, 2024 at the age of 92.
Predeceased by his parents and his brother Robert Wahl, Bernie is survived by his wife, Sheron, a sister, Jean Marie Martin, sons, Steven Wahl of Hilton NY and Gary Wahl (Dawn) of LeRoy NY, several grandchildren, great- grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends.

As a boy, Bernie sailed with his parents for many years and developed a lifelong passion for sailing. 1947 was a momentous year for Bernie. He turned 16, acquired his first sailboat (a 14 foot International Dinghy) and joined the Rochester Yacht Club.

In 1951, Bernie stepped away from sailing to join the United States Army. Following his Honorable Discharge in May 1953, he joined his family’s dry cleaning and uniform business (Cadet Dry Cleaners). He took over the business when his father retired many years later.

Bernie returned to sailing at the Rochester Yacht Club in 1953. He loved the thrill of racing and won many trophies sailing, first, with his International Dinghy, followed by his International Dragons and, later, his International Soling. When not racing, Bernie, who was also an accomplished amateur photographer, took many breathtaking photos of the RYC races using the Bertram power boat owned by his friend and racing rival, Frank Shumway. For many years his photos graced the walls of the Rochester Yacht Club.

In 1976, Bernie purchased a 42 foot Hattaras, that he named FOTO, to photograph the 1976 Centennial Tall Ship Race from Bermuda to NYC. His two sons, Steven and Gary, had the thrill of serving as helmsmen during this once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

In later years, Bernie discovered the joys of cruising in warmer climates during the winter months. His cruising vessels, all named Ballerina, began with his Irwin 52 followed by his Lafitte 44. He was so enamored with his Lafitte 44, he bought the company and set about modifying the design of the boat. He took delivery of his final boat, an Outbound 46, in 2006. He enjoyed sailing in it until 2020.

Bernie sailed east as far as Bermuda and south as far as the east coast of South America but his favorite cruising grounds were the West Indies which he sailed from the late 1950s to 2020. During that time he developed an encyclopedic knowledge of their countless anchorages.

Sailing was always closest to Bernie’s heart but, in addition to photography, he also became a skilled woodworker and arborist. The park-like grounds surrounding his home were filled with the exotic trees which he had obtained from around the world.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share in a memorial mass at St. Rita Catholic Church 1008 Maple Drive, Webster, NY 14580 on July 27, 2024
at 10:00 AM. A live stream of Bernie’s mass can be viewed at https://saintritawebster.org/watch-live.html.

In lieu of calling hours, please join us for a Celebration of his Life at 12:00 noon at the Rochester Yacht Club, 5555 St. Paul Blvd., Rochester, NY 14617.

In Bernie’s honor donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association .