LEWISTON – Bernard “Bunny” Mynahan died peacefully on Dec. 15 at his home, surrounded by family, after a heroic 14-year battle with cancer.

He was born in Lewiston on June 14, 1927, the son of William and Bernadette Genest Mynahan. He was educated in local schools and served in the U.S. Navy during World War II.

He married Gertrude Landry on Sept. 22, 1951. In 1957, he was hired as the sexton at Mount Hope Cemetery. Subsequently, he assumed responsibility as the caretaker for St. Patrick’s Church and its associated properties, a position he held for 40 years.

Following his retirement, he continued to serve the cemetery and the church he loved on a voluntary basis. Until recently, he worked part time for Roak the Florist.

For the past five years, Bunny traveled to Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston for treatment of prostate and metastatic bone cancers with Dr. William Oh. He participated in numerous clinical trials with hope that his results would benefit others. Over the course of his treatment, the staff at Dana Farber became an extended family. He was always grateful for their care and personal attention.

His passions included watching his favorite teams, the Boston Red Sox and the New England Patriots. He spent much time in his boat on Androscoggin Lake, often with his beloved Shetland sheepdog, Guy. He will be remembered for his love of family, friends and camp, as well as his great sense of humor and selfless generosity. He loved life and lived every day to its fullest; he left this world a happy man.

Bunny is survived by Gertrude, his wife of 54 years; his five daughters and their families, Cathy and John Folan and their children, Brian and Ellen, Bernadette Flynn and her son, Conor, Mame and Mike Bonneau and their children, Katie and Joe, Patricia Mendelson and her children, Ben, Chloe and Adrienne, and Dot Mynahan; four siblings, William Mynahan, Maurice Mynahan, Phyllis Theberge and Eleanor Bruce; as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents; his sisters, Dorothy Mynahan, Margaret Anthoine and Louise Giguere; and his brothers, Joseph and Eugene.

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