This memorial website was created in memory of our loved one, Bob Bernoski. He was a loving father, husband, brother, and friend to many. We wanted a place for those that knew him to share their condolances, stories and memories in the hopes that we can all help each other heal in the face of this heartbreaking loss. If he ever made you laugh, or touched your life in any way, we'd love for you to share your story.
Obituary
Robert Paul Bernoski passed away unexpectedly Monday, November 7, 2016.
Bob, as he was known to family and friends, was born April 12, 1944, in Chicago, IL, to Raymond and Loyola Bernoski. He grew up on the South Side, graduating from Brother Rice High School and attending Loyola University. Married in 1965 to his first wife, Rita Sheffner, he spent his early career advancing in sales until moving to Mansfield in 1977. Once there, he started his own business, Berfam Engineering, named aptly after what he considered his most important asset, his "Bernoski Family." He spent 30 years in the bakery equipment industry as a successful businessman and entrepreneur (traveling the world) and making many friends along the way. Bob married Constance Stevens on Dec. 24, 2005. As a retiree, he volunteered with the American Association of Retired Persons to provide free income tax preparation through the Fort Worth library.
Anyone who knew him, knew that Bob was a Chicagoan at heart. As such, he loved da Bears, Italian beef, the arts, and the blues. Passionate about golf, some of Bob's favorite times were on the course playing with friends all across the country. With his quick wit and sharp intellect, he could always be relied upon to find the humor in a situation. Throughout his life he brought tremendous joy and laughter to his family and friends. In addition to his family, one of the things Bob valued most was helping others. As such, he left a strong legacy of "giving back" with his children and grandchildren. Bob will be deeply missed and his absence will be felt for years to come.
Bob was preceded in death by his father and mother, Raymond and Loyola Bernoski, and his first wife, Rita Bernoski. Survivors: Together 20 years, Bob is survived by his wife, Constance Stevens; children and their spouses, Lynn and Wes Smith, Beth and Tom Bergeron, Cathy Bernoski and Darrell Stevens, Mike and Amy Bernoski, Laura and David Vaillancourt, Amy Bernoski, Merritt Minnemeyer and Thomas Flynn; loving grandchildren, Conor, Ashlyn, Mallory, Thomas, Simone, Elijah, Nathan, Ella, Wesley, Sydney, James, Abby, Sayvaughn, Jayvaughn, Luke and Lily; brother and sister and their spouses, Tom and Cynthia Bernoski, Mary Ellen and Tom Thurston; and many nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation in his memory to the First Tee of Ft. Worth (Life Skills for Children).
A “Celebration of Life” will be held at 4:30 on January 14, 2017, at Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth, TX. All friends and family are welcome.
Tributes
Leave a tributeI've traveled each and every highway
But more, much more than this
I did it my way
Regrets, I've had a few
But then again, too few to mention
I did what I had to do
And saw it through without exemption
I planned each charted course
Each careful step along the byway
And more, much more than this
I did it my way
Yes, there were times, I'm sure you knew
When I bit off more than I could chew
But through it all, when there was doubt
I ate it up and spit it out
I faced it all and I stood tall
And did it my way
I've loved, I've laughed and cried
I've had my fill my share of losing
And now, as tears subside
I find it all so amusing
To think I did all that
And may I say - not in a shy way
Oh no, oh no, not me
I did it my way
For what is a man, what has he got
If not himself, then he has naught
To say the things he truly feels
And not the words of one who kneels
The record shows I took the blows
And did it my way
Yes, it was my way
Our deepest condolences,
Joe & Cheryl Creamer
Leave a Tribute
MY ROCK FOR 51 YEARS
Dad spent much of his life teaching me.
Teaching me to have fun, laugh and not take life too seriously;
Teaching me to play basketball and showing me the finer points of a layup in our driveway in Mansfield in the dark;
Teaching me that when you make a mistake (no matter how big), look forward, apologize and do whatever it takes to fix it - don't dwell;
Teaching me to be competitive and also to be a good sport; (he loved saying "winner winner, chicken dinner");
and teaching me so many more life lessons. I am still a work in progress but am grateful for the time he spent with me and his high expectations. :)
Dad loved golf and was happy on the golf course with his buddies. He taught me to golf and also taught my sons. He bought them cokes and took them to the golf range. This world feels duller and less fun without dad here.
Best Lesson - dad taught us all kindness, tolerance and understanding for all people, regarless of your how much money you had, your sexual preference, race, religion, or whatever mistakes you had made in the past. Live and let Live he said. Be Nice he said.
Dad saw the Chicago Cubs win and that surely made him happy.
Tonight I shall drink a Heineken and eat some salami, pastrami, or something with an ami, which he loved, and smile and feel grateful to have such a rock in my life for so many years. I love you dad.
I don't really know where to start. There are so many great memories. In 1980 we moved to Mansfield and lived across the street from the Bernoski family. What fun we had! Jim and Bob were friends and so were Rita and I. We would often go out to dinner on Fridays and Bob usually drove. If you've ever been a passenger in Bob's car, you know how fast he drove! We'd be careening down the road, all three of them smoking, and I'd be thinking, "well this is it....we're going to orphan ten kids tonight!" But we always made it. Not only did we have fun together, but we supported each other. If there was trouble, we knew they would be there for us. If you were Bob's friend, he would always be on your side no matter what......even if you were wrong or stupid. He would be your champion and take on the world. When Bob and Jim started telling golf stories and joking around it was just laugh out loud time. I remember one time we were all going to church together on Easter Sunday. We got there early to get seats and all of the Bernoski's and Crowe's filled up a big pew. As things progressed, Bob and Jim stood to give their seats to a pregnant lady and her child. They looked so handsome in their suits....Rita and I just looked at each other and thought how lucky we were to be married to such thoughtful and beautiful men. I am so sorry to hear of Bob's sudden death and I know I speak for my entire family when I say that we are hurting for you all. We love you and hope to see you soon.
MY BEST FRIEND FOR 65 YEARS
I HAVE KNOWN BOB SINCE WE WENT THRU GRADE SCHOOL AND HIGH SCHOOL TOGETHER. WE HAVE ALWAYS STAYED FRIENDS. I WAS BEST MAN AT HIS FIRST MARRIAGE. WE HAD MORE FUN DOING ALL KINDS OF CRASSY THINGS WHEN WE WERE YOUNG, AND OLD. I WILL MISS HIM. I HOPE HE IS UP THERE HAVING A DRINK ON US. SEE YOU WHEN I GET THERE, HAVE A DRINK READY. YOUR FRIEND HERB OTTO