LITTLE FALLS – Mr. Bernard “Bernie” Schwiler, age 76, a lifelong Little Falls resident, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 31, 2016, at the Abraham House in Utica. Born on February 11, 1940, Bernard was the son of the late Emil and Rita (Murphy) Schwiler. He was raised and educated in Little Falls and attended St. Mary’s Academy. A proud veteran, Bernie served in the United States Navy aboard submarines during the Vietnam Era. On December 8, 1979, Bernard was wed to the former Helen Fietkiewicz in Holy Trinity Church. The couple shared a devoted union of almost 37 years and were blessed with their only daughter, Megan. Bernie was employed with Redco foods in Little Falls for over 25 years, where he worked in the janitorial department, as well as filling in wherever he was needed. He retired from the company in 2002. In his spare time, Bernie was a Civil War buff who enjoyed reading about the history of his nation and building replicas of that era. He was a longtime parishioner of Holy Family Parish Church. Bernie is survived by his wife, Helen; his daughter, Megan Schwiler; his brother, Eugene Schwiler; his sister-in-law, Eva Fietkiewicz; his nephew, Paul Cizik, Jr; his nieces, Melissa Rathburn and Jennifer Maxwell; and by numerous cousins and friends. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his sister and brother-in-law, Veronica and Paul Cizik; his in-laws, Casmir and Elizabeth Fietkiewicz; and a cousin, Marie Cole. Bernie’s family has chosen to honor his life in a private farewell gathering. Those wishing to do so are asked to consider donations to the Abraham House, 1203 Kemble Street, Utica, NY 13501, a place where Bernie and his family felt love and comfort during his last days. The Schwiler family is being cared for by Harry & Kevin Enea, and Martin L. Ciaccia, funeral directors of the Enea Family Funeral Home, 24 West Monroe St., Little Falls, NY.