Poughkeepsie – Dawn A. Bernitt-Perito PHR passed away on 5/28/2016 at home in the company of her husband. She was the loving wife of Christopher A. Perito. Dawn was born daughter to Lorraine and James Bernitt on 11/23/1975. She is survived by her sister Holly Saks, Wendy Santos, and brother Scott Bernitt; along with many Aunts, Uncles and cousins. Dawn was Aunt to Penny and Malcolm Santos. Dawn was loved like a granddaughter by Gloria and Nicholas Donatone, which are her husbands’ grandparents. Dawn was preceded in death by her grandparents, Carmela and Robert Bernitt, John and Margaret Gemski, and her cousin Kathleen Gemski. Dawn was full of joy, laughter, and knowledge. Although her life was cut short due to cancer, Dawn lived it to the fullest in her 40 years here. Dawn graduated from John F. Kennedy Catholic High School. She earned a Bachelor Degree in Psychology, her Master Degree in Human Resources and was a professional in the field. She enjoyed spending time with her family, dogs, and many friends. Dawn loved going to arts/craft fairs, riding her motorcycle, and keeping warm in the winter with her wood burning stove while lying with her dogs cozy under a blanket reading a book. To say that Dawn liked community theater would be an understatement. Dawn appeared in, acted, directed and/or choreographed plays done by 4th Wall production, County Players, Trinity Players, YCP Theaterworks, Rhinebeck Performing Arts Center, 90 Miles Off Broadway, Pawling Theatre Company, and From Stage to Screen. In Lieu of flowers please send donations to Support Connection, 40 Triangle Center, Suite 100, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598.
A memorial gathering for family and friends will take place on Saturday June 4th from 2-4pm and 7-9pm at the Michael Torsone Memorial Funeral Home, Inc. 218 Mill St. Poughkeepsie.
Street level and wheelchair accessible entrance located off Vassar St.
Burial will be private.
