Born in New York City on May 22, 1919, he was the son of Thomas and Kathryn McRann. After graduating from Roosevelt High School, Bernard attended Manhattan College in New York. He then joined the United States Navy and served his country honorably during World War II, becoming a member of the Permanent Shore Patrol, NY, until March of 1946.
After the war, Bernard became a member of the New York City Subway Police for one year and then decided to enter the NYPD Police Academy. After graduation, Bernard began his long and loyal career with the NYPD.
Forty years and 10 months later, Bernard retired having achieved the rank of Deputy Inspector. In his long and successful career, one of his many contributions to service was being vitally instrumental, along with his team, in the capturing of the Son of Sam, David Horowitz.
A lifetime member of the Captain’s Endowment Association and the Knights of Columbus, Bernard was also a member of the PBA(Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association), and the Superior Officers
Association/Retired.
After retiring from the NYPD, Bernard and his wife, Elizabeth, moved to Brunswick, Here they found wonderful and loving friends and family with whom they enjoyed lots of laughter, good food, music, and conversation! Michael and Patricia Rogus, of Harpswell, are the brother and sister-in-law of Elizabeth. Their family presence and loving friendship brought much comfort to Bernard and Elizabeth.
On May 22, 1943, Bernard married his beloved wife, Elizabeth, who survives him. Their 70th wedding anniversary was just on the horizon, and Bernard never gave up hoping to make that special celebration. His determination and strength of character inspired everyone who came into contact with him.
He is also survived by three daughters: Patricia M. Bigelow of Morgantown, Pennsylvania; Debora Donnellon, wife of John S. Donnellon, of Leesburg, Virginia; and Monica A. McRann of Hyde Park, New York. Bernard’s sister Margaret Drummond of Emerson, New Jersey, also survives him.
Bernard has four grandchildren: Aileen M. Reilly, wife of Sean M. Reilly, of Oakton, Virginia; Christopher Donnellon, husband of Michelle Donnellon, of Plano, Texas; Jennifer Donnellon, wife of Matt Elkin, of Leesburg, Virginia; and Shane McRann Bigelow, husband of Kimberly Bigelow, of New York City.
And Bernard and Elizabeth are blessed with 9 greatgrandchildren: Megan Reilly, Nicholas Donnellon, Erin Reilly, Keelin Reilly, Xavier Donnellon, Brendan Reilly, Sebastian McRann Bigelow, Declan McRann Bigelow, and Kieran McRann Bigelow.
In addition, the McRanns have many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his brother, Thomas, who died suddenly on March 17, 1966.
Whether it was Bernie, Dad, PopPop, or Uncle Bernie, in all of these roles in our lives, he will always be treasured and missed.
Visiting hours will be held Thursday April 4th from 6- 8PM at Stetson’s Funeral Home, 12 Federal St., Brunswick. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday April 5th at 10AM at St. Charles Borromeo Church-All Saints Parish, 132 McKeen St., Brunswick directly followed with military honors. A reception will be held in the church hall following the military honors. Burial will be held following the reception at 1PM in the chapel of the Maine Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery, Mount Vernon Road, Augusta.
In lieu of flowers, and in appreciation of all those who serve our country, donations may be made to: Wounded Warrior Project at woundedwarriorproject.org.
Condolences may be expressed at stetsonsfuneralhome.com.
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