Bernard Edward MARTIN

MARTIN, Bernard Edward

Berwick native was space station supervisor. Bernard Edward Martin, 86, passed to the open arms of his parents, John Joseph and Mary M. Martin; brothers, John Jr. and Andrew; sister, Mary Martin Cerullo; and niece, Andrea Martin Korngold; peacefully after a short illness. Bernard was born on Sept. 14, 1928, in Berwick, PA, and passed away on Nov. 19, 2014, in St. Petersburg.

Bernard graduated from Berwick High School in 1948, and played football for Berwick as a running back for the team. He joined the Navy after high school and served on the USS Midway during the Korean War. Bernard's older brother was an Air Force pilot shot down over Belgium during World War II and his brother, Andrew, served in the Air Force as a mechanic during WWII.

Bernard worked for Bendix at various locations around the world including Africa, Guam and Hawaii, during the early space explorations. He helped monitor the space flights as they explored earth and the moon. He worked at the space station located on Guam during the first space landing on the moon. Bernard worked for the National Cash Register Company after Bendix until he retired in the early 1980s.

Bernard loved the islands and the "water" spending most of his adult work life on the islands of Hawaii and Guam. After retiring he located to Treasure Island. He could not visualize himself any other place, but to wake up and see the water out his window; thus his condo was located so he could wake up and see the water every day.

Bernard was a Lakers, NASCAR and football fan. He listened to Berwick and Penn State football games weekly and traveled to Berwick to see the high school team play at least once a year. He loved spending time with his family in Nevada playing the slot machines.

He is survived by nieces, Mary Louise Martin (Henry Hurley); Mary Ann Dent (Dale Dent); nephews, John Joseph Martin (Rose Martin); Anthony Cerullo (Vonnie Cerullo); sister-in-law, Angeline Martin; and brother-in-law, Bernard Cerullo. Bernard was a thoughtful and generous person. He cared deeply about his family and friends including the animal kind. He will be missed for his sense of humor and his deep sense of family.

The family will schedule a grave side service during the warm weather at Saint Mary's Cemetery in Berwick, PA, to honor his wishes because Uncle Bernard did not like the cold weather. To honor his memory, please make donations to one of the following organizations: Wounded Warriors, Animal Foundation, American Heart Association or any organization of your choice.