Nick Bernardino Obituary

BERNARDINO, NICK Sept. 27, 1921 to March 14, 2006 Nick Bernardino passed away peacefully with his four children at his bedside. Native San Diegan, born and raised in Little Italy, and a veteran of World War II. He was a tuna fisherman and he then went to work for Talone Meat Packing in Escondido. He owned and operated Columbo Winery in Little Italy for seven years. He retired 22 years ago and devoted the rest of his life to the love of his life, Virginia, and his beloved grandchildren. He is survived by his wife, Virginia; sons, Michael (Cheryl), Tony (Helen), daughter Rosalee (John) and son Nick Jr. He also had eight grandchildren and one great-grandson. Services will be at Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church on the corner of State and Date Streets at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 18, 2006 and the Viewing at Merkley Mitchell at 3655 5th Ave., from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, March 17, 2006. Please sign the guest book at obituaries.uniontrib.com

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Published by San Diego Union-Tribune on Mar. 16, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for Nick Bernardino

10 Entries

Candyce Rokosz-Bernardini

March 30, 2006

Grandpa,

I know I already signed this guestbook thing, but i just had some things to add. I just watched a few home videos with Desirae, all of which you were behind the camera. You were singing happy birthday to me on my 2nd birthday. I will NEVER forget how you would always sing to us, and you had the most joyful singing voice of anyone I've ever known. You and Nani were also singing songs on Easter with my sister, while i was in the high chair eating lots and lots of pasta, just like you raised us to do. :) I miss you so much Grandpa and you will always be a part of my life. I love you.

Thanks to everyone who has shown all of their love and support to my mom, Rosalee, her brothers, my grandma, Nani, and the rest of our family. The service was beautiful with all of the flower arrangements and everyone just being together to honor my grandpas life. It truley meant a lot to us, and I know it meant a lot to him too.

Lots of love,

Candyce

Jon Maniscalco

March 27, 2006

Dear Nick,

My childhood wouldn't have been nearly as much fun without knowing you and your wonderful family. From sweeping the sidewalk of the business across the street to earn 50 cents and spending it at Filippi's, to the summer we scrounged for bottlecaps to redeem for Fanta soda. Mikey's powder blue VW and Tony's bright yellow Camaro. Riding your mini-bike in the empty lot next door, and the sleepovers where I was treated like a member of the family. These are the memories I will cherish forever. When I heard your Dad passed away, I felt a loss as well. Good people always leave a void in this world. Take heart that he now resides in Heaven. My deepest condolences to you, your sweet and generous Mom, Mikey, Tony, Rosalee and their families. God Bless.

Joe "Tu" & Johanna Taranto

March 20, 2006

Dear Nick, Ro, Mrs. B. and Family;

Please forgive our absence from services as we just heard of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless.

Love,

Rose Ann McNeese

March 20, 2006

Our parents tried to keep us ALL together especially for the Holidays, knowing at a time like this we would want to remember.

We never lacked for food :)and fun.

I remember freezing at the Bahia on the 4th of July, (the Aunts and Uncles were cold. We were too busy swimming, playing and eating to notice) Uncle Nick got in his car and pulled out all these white Talone's coats and kept everyone warm.If it wasn't Uncle Nick taking care of us, it was Uncle Vito or Uncle Freddy or Uncle Jimmy.They ALL cared to keep us Happy, comfortable and overly well fed!! Those were the Days!!!!

Someone :) supplied us with cherry bombs from the Tuna boats and we tossed them in the water and when they sank and went off the fish floated to the top :) Oh, my, would the animal activist be at our throats today! (tee,hee)

I remember All the work it was for Uncle Nick to provide us with the reel to reel projector and watching movies such as the Ten Commandments, that you could only see in a movie theater at the time. We would pack into my parents garage, the Sofia's patio,and Mickie's bedroom.How cool that was!

Uncle Nick had the most beautiful blue eyes, next to my Mom,in the world!! They were just incredible to the very end!

The memories I have of Uncle Nick, Auntie Virginia and our entire Family will live on in my heart for ever!We are blessed to have had them in our life.

My prayers and love are with Auntie Virginia, my cousins and all their children!

Rose Ann

Kathy Fernandes/Moran

March 17, 2006

Uncle Nick will always be remembered in Our Bernardino Family, Friends and his family legacy he has left to grow and prosper from knowing all of us. I believe His Brother Freddie was waiting to greet him along with his Sisters Especially Auntie Angie. They will all be together, out of pain and probably playing a little poker while Auntie Angie makes all they're favorate dishes. God Bless him. He will be missed.

Tony & Emma Sofia

March 17, 2006

To My Dearest Uncle Nick,

As a little boy growing up in WOP Town, good ol' India and Date Streets, I have fond memories of you taking me for rides in your "Packard" sitting next to you on the arm rest (no seat belts in those days! - or child car seats!) as we drove thru "Oscars" and the water front visiting your fisherman buddies and friends.

I remember the great times when I came home from the Marines and went to work at Talone's Meat Packing, working side-by-side with you for 17 years. I will miss your smile :( and warm heart. Emma and I were thankful for having lunch with you and little Nicky at Mona Lisa just a few months ago - how would we have known it would have been our last. Thanks most of all for being my UNCLE NICK, - and it's funny how all the guys at Talone's would also call you UNCLE NICK!

Auntie Virginia, cuzes: Mike, Little Tony, Rosalee, Little Nicky, our prayers and thoughts are with you.

Love,

Tony & Emma Sofia

Clara (Bernardino) Sheets

March 17, 2006

Dear Family,

Uncle Nicky I will always be thankful for you being a part of my life especially my childhood and all the wonderful memories. I too remember all the fun times spent together with all us cousins, aunts and uncles growing up in San Diego. I remember the picnics at Dana Cove and Mission Bay Park and the reel to reel movies Uncle Nicky use to bring home from the fishing boats so us kids would have something to do while the grown ups visited. I will always remember the fun, the many hugs and laughter we all shared when we would have gatherings. Uncle Nicky, please give my Mom & Dad a hug for me when you see them up in Heaven and tell them that I Miss them!!!

Auntie Virginia and Cousins Michael, Baby Tony, Rosalee, & Little Nick, my heart goes out to all of you at this sad and difficult time. Please know that I love & miss you all very much!!!

Candyce Rokosz-Bernardini

March 16, 2006

Dear Grandpa,

You were the strongest man I have ever met, and not only me, but all of the doctors and nurses thought so as well. You taught me so many great things that I will live by for the rest of my life. You always had the biggest smile on your face no matter what the circumstance and you could spread your smile to a room full of people. I am so proud that you were MY grandpa, and I will always remember you. Anytime I go out for italian food, I think of you, or also when I eat "enchiladies" and "pany-cakes". I love you grandpa and you will always hold a special place in all of our hearts. Can't wait to see you again one day in heaven. :)

love always and forever,

Candyce

Paul & Deborah Silva

March 16, 2006

Nick & Family,

Were very sorry to hear about the loss of your dad, take care and god bless.

Love,

Paul & Deborah Silva

Rosemary Montoya

March 16, 2006

Uncle Nicki,

You are greatly missed and loved. We had so many fun times growing up with you over the years as a big family, especially the large holiday meals. I remember all those great movies you brought home for us kids to see and all the fun we had watching them. I believe you are now in heaven with my father and mother and your sisters and parents etc and not suffering on earth any longer.

My prayers are with your family (my aunt and my cousins),

Love,

Rosemary

XXXXOOOXXX

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