It is with deep sorrow that the family of Bernice (Kumpon) McManus, 86, announces her passing on Monday, July 7, 2025 at Elizabeth Church Manor in Binghamton.
Bernice was one of seven children born to Paul and Mary Kumpon. She was predeceased by her parents; her sisters, Marcella Cinotti and Rita Presley; her brothers-in-law, Anthony
Cinotti and Edward Presley; her ex-husband Walter McManus. She is survived by her children, Mary Jo McManus and Scott McManus; her sister, Sylvia Kumpon; three brothers Donald (Ann) Kumpon, Paul (Eileen) Kumpon, Alfred (Joanne) Kumpon; four grandsons and one great-
grandson; numerous nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, and several cousins.
Bernice was born on January 1, 1939 in Johnson City and was raised in Binghamton. She attended Binghamton schools and graduated from Binghamton Central High School in 1957. Her work experience included both IBM Owego and Wilson Hospital. She was a long-time member of St. Anthony of Padua Church.
Bernice loved being part of a large, very close family, and had many fond memories of growing up on Mt. Prospect (“the hill”). She acquired her parents’ strong work ethic, as well as their religious beliefs and their Slavic traditions. Her interest in family genealogy resulted in her writing an amazing detailed book on their family genealogy and heritage, spending many years compiling information and gathering stories. She wrote this book with assistance from her sister Sylvia.
Bernice will be remembered for the delicious cookies she made and shared with everyone (especially kolacky and buchty), and also many traditional Slavic dishes. She had a fondness for antiques, many of which can be found in her home, and she is also known for her many collections. She enjoyed playing the piano, tending to her beautiful flower gardens, was an avid reader, and took great pleasure in nature (especially feeding the birds), and she enjoyed her daily walks around the neighborhood. It is well known to her family and friends how much she loved chocolates!
A funeral Mass will be offered on Monday, July 14, at 11:30 a.m. at St. Anthony’s Church, 300 Odell Avenue, Endicott. The family will receive friends from 10:30 a.m. until the time of the Mass. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery in Johnson City. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in Bernice’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital,
P.O. Box 50, Memphis, TN 38101.
The family wishes to thank the staff at James G. Johnston Nursing Home at Hilltop for the compassionate and loving care they gave to Bernice these past eight years, for which we will always be grateful.
Rest in peace beloved daughter, mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and friend. We will love you forever and remember you always.