James Vincent DiBernardo

James DiBernardo Obituary

TEMECULA RETIRED MAJOR JAMES VINCENT DiBERNARDO (75) USMC Passed away from prostate cancer on November 20, 2009, at his home in Temecula, CA surrounded by his family. James was born on October 18, 1934 in Fulton, New York, and has lived in Temecula, CA since 1976. He graduated from Fulton High School in New York in 1952. After High School, James entered the US Marine Corps, proudly serving for 30 years. He began his career in the Marines as enlisted personal, but was able to obtain the officer's rank of Major through hard work, dedication and sacrifice. His achievements include the Bronze Star Medal, Three Purple Hearts, Two Navy Commendations, and the Vietnamese Medal of Honor. During his service, James was a Prisoner of War for 5 years. He was captured on February 3, 1968. His cellmate, Bill Baird, whom was severely injured by a landmine, stated that without James' encouragement, he would have given up and died. Released on March 5, 1973 from Hanoi Hilton, James went home to be with his family and meet his two youngest daughters for the first time. After serving in the Marines, James attended National University and earned his Bachelors Degree in Business, setting an example to his children, the importance of getting an education. He moved his family to Temecula, CA and founded his Insurance Business "DiBernardo & Associates." James is survived by his loving wife of 52 years Sharen DiBernardo and his children Vincent, Tony, Joy, and Susan: Their spouses Melissa, Carolyn, Bud, and grandchildren Douglas, Isabel, Dominic, Mike, Vinnie, Anthony; and many other extended family members and friends. Unfortunately, on October 14, 2009, James lost his oldest daughter Gail who left behind her husband Chris and son Colin. A Graveside Service and Military Honors will be held on Wednesday, November 25, 2009 at 9:45 AM Staging Area 4 at Riverside National Cemetery. A reception will follow for family and friends at Evans - Brown Sun City Mortuary. In lieu of flowers, the family suggest donations to: American Cancer SocietyPO Box 22718 Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718 EVANS BROWN MORTUARY(951) 679-1114Dignified • Caring • Professional

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Published by The Press-Enterprise on Nov. 22, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for James DiBernardo

6 Entries

Karen Laino (1st lt, usmc when i knew Jim)

February 5, 2025

I just found this. Had no idea Jim passed away but I had the honor and PRIVILEGE to work with him in the PAO office at MCAS El Toro. We both worked for Major Sally Pritchett. I learned so much from Jim and heard some inspiring stories. I was sorry to hear about his death. Semper fi and RIP

Owen McBride

July 20, 2022

Had the honor and privilege of meeting then-Capt. DiBernardo when I was assigned to the public affairs office in Camp Pendleton (1974 - 1976). He was a great inspiration to me and it was indeed a true honor to have met him and conversed with him on several occasions. I am truly very sorry to learn of his passing. God bless always his family and loved ones.

Christina Lusk

July 1, 2022

My name is Christina and live in Massillon OH. I wore your dad´s POW bracelet in the 60´s. Recently I came across it and would like you to have it. I am thankful for your dad´s service and appreciate all he did to uphold our freedoms. I can be reached at [email protected] . You can notify me and direct me where to forward it.

Rhoda Ridenour

November 16, 2018

My name is Rhoda Ridenour. I live in Bonner Springs Kansas. When I was in high school a purchased a POW bracelet with Captain James Dibernardo's name on it. I came across the bracelet recently and have been trying to locate James to send him the bracelet . Unfortunately James has passed away. I wished I could have thanked him for his service and the sacrifices he made. I very much would like to pass this bracelet on to a family member and to let them know that I kept the bracelet all these years and James was always in my heart. I am reaching out to his family and hoping somebody will contact me at [email protected].

May 13, 2010

My name Is Jane Gillette I live in Maine and was Married to a Air Force Sgt. During the war . For many years I worn a silver braclet with James Dibernardo's name on it, I still have the braclet and tried for many years to locate him, we did not have the web than . I just wanted to let you know, he had strangers praying for him and now much to my disapointment that he is deceased ,still will. May God bless him and all our brave men.
Sincerely
Jane Gillette

Rikki Bauer

December 1, 2009

To the Family of Jim DiBernardo:

Jim was our insurance broker since 1998. He was a wonderful man to work with. Jim spoke of his family often during his visits to our office. He was kind and considerate with my employees when explaining insurance issues to them. He will be missed very much by us. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. God Bless.

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