Bernard Stanley Kwas

Bernard Stanley Kwas, 80, a man from Buffalo, New York and then Nashville, Tennessee passed away peacefully May 13, 2026.

Bernie was born and raised by the loving souls of Gertrude E. Grzybowski Kwas & Stanley W. Kwas in Buffalo, New York. From that moment and until his passing, he took the love he was given and shared it with each and every person he met throughout his life.

At Frontier Central High School in Hamburg, New York, Bernie was known as the consummate athlete, excelling in football, basketball, and his first true love, baseball. In football he led the team in receiving yards and was also the punter and kicker. As captain of the basketball team, he was also the leading scorer. In baseball he was the top hitter and captain and took his team to the district championship. He was a first team all-star in all three sports and was inducted into the Frontier Hall of Fame in 1998. After High school Bernie attended Brockport State College where he lettered in baseball and lead the team in hitting, before later graduating from Canisius University.

For over 60 years Bernie was a banker, and used those years to be a friend, a mentor, an ally, and the best boss you ever had. His success was never defined by his trophies or awards, but rather by his friendships and family. Bernie put the friendships of those people that he believed in, above his own needs, and always found time to volunteer with the United Way and other organizations.

In sports and in business, when he saw a spark in a good soul, he fanned that flame. The experience of watching others grow and find their own success in life, is what gave Bernie the most fulfillment. Bernie shared his time and his lessons with others, so that they could live better lives.

Though a sports legend in Hamburg, New York and a pillar of the Nashville banking community, Bernie will be most celebrated as a father, grandfather, coach, friend, and loving husband.  Whether you called out Bernie, Mr. Kwas, Poppy, Dad, B-Nard, or Barnyard, he always answered, and was always there to help.

Please celebrate Bernie by simply helping those around you, inspiring others in your life, and bringing a smile to each passing person. We will all miss Bernie. But in these moments of selflessness, kindness, and humor he will come to us. His earthly remains will be laid to rest at St. George’s Episcopal Church in Nashville during a private family service. Family and friends will be invited to a merry time of remembrance in the coming months; one in Nashville, and another in Buffalo.

Bernie has joined his father Stanley W. Kwas, his mother Gertrude E. Gryzbowski Kwas, and his brother Lawrence John Kwas (Marine Corps) in eternal peace. He is survived by his wife Suzanne Porter Kwas, his daughters; Karen McCormick and Lisa Dobis, son Michael Kwas and
his wife Molly; his grandchildren Adam, Jake, Gracie, Avery, Piper, and Maeve, and his nephew Brandon Kwas and his wife Molly and their son Max.

Arrangements in the care of Compassion Funeral & Cremation Services, 6949 Charlotte Pike, Suite 104  (615) 857-9955. We are proud to be West Nashville & Bellevue’s only locally owned and operated burial & cremation provider.