POUGHKEEPSIE - Howard J. Bernard, 86, of Poughkeepsie and previously of Hyde Park, died Saturday, Nov. 10, 2007 at St. Francis Hospital surrounded by his family and friends. Mr. Bernards first job was as a civil engineer with Sperry Rand on Long Island. He spent most of his career in the publishing industry with McGraw-Hill in New York City. Howard loved to sing and people loved to hear him sing. He was the lead singer at St. Agnes Cathedral on Long Island and at the AARP and many other functions in Hyde Park. Born on May 1, 1921, he was the son of the late Frank and Mary Bernard. He was predeceased by his first wife, Madeline Bernard, and is survived by his second wife, Renate McHale Bernard, who resides at home. He is also survived by a son, Jim Bernard and wife, Susan Lacy, of Pleasanton, CA; a daughter, Joan Schrom and husband, Joseph, of West Babylon, NY; six grandchildren, Anna and Sara Bernard, Michael and Heidi Kolta, and Joseph and Jacqueline Schrom; a step-daughter, Janet Hutsko and husband, John, of LaGrange; eight step-grandchildren, Vincent Coniglio and wife, Elizabeth Greenlee, Christine Gillespie and husband, Brian, Matthew Coniglio and wife, Trisha, Sara , Jonathan, and David Coniglio, and Kimberley and Christopher Hutsko; and seven step-great grandchildren. He was predeceased by a daughter, Kathleen Bernard Kolta; a son, Thomas Bernard, a step-daughter, Susan Coniglio; and three brothers. Calling hours will be from 2 to 4 pm, Monday, November 12, 2007 at Sweets Funeral Home, Inc., Rte. 9, Hyde Park. Funeral services will follow at 4 pm at the funeral home with Pastor Richard Johnson officiating. Cremation will take place at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Timothy Lutheran Church, Rte. 9G, Hyde Park, NY 12538. To send a condolence or for directions, please visit www.sweetsfuneralhome.com.