Bernard William Cliser, born June 12, 1927 in Page County, Virginia - he had 14 brothers and sisters. His parents were Oliver & Elizabeth Cliser. Bernard was raised in Virginia and later served in WWII in the Airforce. He later lived in Washington D.C. where he learned the glazing trade. He moved west to California in 1951 and lived with his sister Elsie and brother in law Ralph Daigle.Dorothy Jean Shank was born September 24, 1928, in Harrisonburg, Rockingham County, Virginia - she had 10 brothers and sisters, Her parents were Emmanuel and Mae Frye Shank. She moved west and they both married in Las Vegas, Nevada in 1953.
The photo on the left is from 1953. The photo's along the right are from when they were dating in the late 40's, early 50's. The last photo below on right is from 1969. They settled in southern California, outside Los Angeles, first living in El Monte, on Durfee and later buying a new home in La Puente in 1955 for $12,500 on Barrydale Street.
Bernard worked with his brother-in law Ralph Daigle in Rosemead for awhile, but later, Bernard opened up his own Glass business called 'BERN'S GLASS' and operated it out of his home. Bernard was always g
ood with his hands, he made a series of acoustical and electric guitars over the years. Also, being in the glazing business, he created some stained glass windows for their home. Dorothy was a cosmotologist and worked in Arcadia, near Santa Anita and at the Broadway in West Covina.They had one child, Gary William Cliser, born May, 1957 in West Covina. Gary married to Charlotte Knowles in 1979, they lived in West Covina, Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, Gilbert, Arizona and they currently reside in Chino, California. They have two children, Garrett, born 1983, and Ashlie, born 1985
In the mid 1960's Dorothy was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, a degenerative disease that effects the nervous system, she was still able to work up until 1970. She eventually needed a cane, then a wheelchair and then eventually was bedridden the balance of her life.
Dorothy passed away in February, 1986 and is buried in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Bernard sold the house on Barrydale Street and moved to Maryland to stay with his brother. Shortly thereafter, Bernard developed heart disease and also cancer. He passed away in 2003 and is buried at Lincoln Cemetery in Washington, D.C.
