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John Bernardi Obituary
John Bernardi
John died Monday, January 21, 2013, at Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula, from complications after lung cancer surgery. His extended family was grateful to be with him when he died.
John was born in Lucca, Italy to Pietro and Attilia Bernardi. His family immigrated to the United States in 1950, under the sponsorship of his uncle, Dino Bernardi, who had migrated to the US in the 1930's. John's family arrived by ship at Ellis Island, New York, and then traveled by train to California. None of his family spoke a word of English when they arrived. John's great uncle, Angelo Del Chiaro, was one of the first to farm artichokes in Castroville. John worked very hard in the family business and even harder in school so that he would not have to be a farmer. However, his love of growing things and gardening won out over time. He shared his garden's bounty with friends and neighbors.
He attended Castroville Elementary, El Sausal Junior High, Salinas High and was part of the first graduating class of North Salinas High, where he was senior class president in 1960. He attended Hartnell College where he was also elected class president. He graduated from San Francisco State University in 1964 with a degree in Social Studies and a Teaching Credential in 1965. He continued taking classes throughout his educational career and earned an Administrative degree through San Jose State University. John LOVED teaching.
He taught at North Salinas High for 23 years, where he ultimately became the Vice Principal. In 1994, he moved on to become the Director of Alternative Education for the Salinas Union High School District and was the Principal of Mount Toro until 1999. After "retirement", John worked as a mentor teacher for CSUMB, an Educational Consultant for MCOE, a Consultant for several other districts, and was also the Vice Principal for Cypress Grove Charter School. He also managed to find time to write a book on classroom management as well as give guest lectures at Chapman University. He retired "for real" in 2008.
He married the" jewel of his heart", Patricia Vaught, in 1965. They lived in Castroville for the first year of their marriage. In 1966, they bought a house in Monterey and lived there for eight years. They moved to Carmel Valley in 1974, where John was known as "the Mayor of Meadows Road." They celebrated their 47th anniversary last July.
John and Patricia were the youngest foster parents in Monterey County and fostered five teenage daughters as well as raising two daughters of their own, Lisa and Kari. In 2002, his only granddaughter was born. John and Sophie fell in love immediately and had a special relationship, as well as ran their own business together. He was an amazing husband, father, grandpa, teacher and human being. We will miss him every day.
He is survived by his wife, Patricia; his daughters, Lisa and Kari; his granddaughter, Sophie; his brother, Franco Bernardi (Kathy); sister, Franca Costanza (Sal); his cousins, Silvio (Julie) and David Bernardi (Toni); brothers-in-law, Richard (Brenda), Robert and Phillip Vaught; as well as extended family on both sides, here and in Italy.
The family wishes to express their thanks to Dr. David Jablons, his surgeon at UCSF, his local doctors, Dr. Jerome Rubin, Dr. Walter Holz, Dr. Hans Poggemeyer, Dr. Karim Tadlaoui and his amazing nurses at CHOMP, Antonio Prado and Ernierose Moreno, for all their kindness.
Donations in John's honor can be made to the Comprehensive Cancer Center at CHOMP, 40 Ryan Ct., Suite 200, Monterey, CA, or the UCSF Medical Center, Box 0248, San Francisco, CA 94143-0248, your local Food Bank or Salvation Army.
John was cremated and his ashes will be scattered by his family at a later date.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, February 23, 2013 from 1 to 4 p.m., at the Community Church of the Monterey Peninsula, 4590 Carmel Valley Road, Carmel (located between Rancho Canada Golf Course and Carmel Middle School).
Arrangements entrusted to the Healey Mortuary & Crematory, www.healeymortuary.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Bernardi
Jamie Ellis
March 3, 2013
An AMAZING man I had the pleasure of knowing he was truly genuine in all that he did. He was very passionate in living, learning, and teaching as he always said. he learned from his students as much as him teaching,May the Lord comfort you at this time.
February 25, 2013
Very sorry to hear about Mr. Bernardi. He was an awesome teacher who always cared about his students. My condolences to his family. RIP Mr. Bernardi. Tom Cherne
Class of 71"
Donna Verdugo Chapman
February 23, 2013
It was an incredible honor to have had Mr. Bernardi at North Salinas High. He was a true inspiration and I am blessed to have had him be a spark. God Bless the Bernardi family.
Sabrina Rodriguez
February 21, 2013
I was so sorry to hear of Mr, Bernardi's passing. He was my first principal working for as campus supervisor. I truly enjoyed going to work everyday,he always had a smile for me . He taught me how to be a good supervisor and I will always have beautiful memories of our daily chats . He was a mentor and friend to so many of us that worked with him. He will be greatly missed. They say "God always takes the Best". So True ! Rest in Peace Mr. Bernardi.
Bill & Cathy West
February 21, 2013
Dear Pat, we were so sorry to hear bout John's passing. Please know that you are in our hearts and minds as you go through these difficult times. With love, Bill & Cathy West
Sara (Ramos) Reyes
February 21, 2013
Pat, deepest sympathies to you and your family. My family and I have very fond memories of John and still share stories of him. I will never forget his smile and his warm, caring ways. Sincerely,
February 19, 2013
Pat, My condolences to you and your family. This is a difficult time for you and your family but as time passes you will have the memories created to bring you comfort.
With affection, Lucy (Ramos) Raney
M C
February 19, 2013
Mr. Bernardi you where my favorite teacher @ NSHS you were always encouraging to me when i was being the rebellious teenager. Thank you for being such a great mentor. You will be greatly missed.
Marilyn Albertson Cole
February 17, 2013
Dearest Patsy, my deepest sympathy to you and your family at this time. May God bless you all in your sorrow. I will always remember John with his sweet smile.
Richard Hooks
February 16, 2013
My heart goes out to you Pat, and family, he was trully a great guy.
God Bless and Keep you in faith during this time.
Lucila Vera
February 16, 2013
May you rest in peace Mr. Bernardi. You were my home room teacher at NSHS and you were my favorite teacher. My condolences to your family and all those who you also touched with your gracious talents, kindness and inspiration.
Areli Zapata
February 15, 2013
Class of '88' remembering passing by the administrative buildings ans SS halls seeing you and your friendly self always brings back happy memories. You were never my teacher but a positive NSHS staff member who always was friendly. You will truly be missed!
Rick Albarran
February 15, 2013
The most influential teachedr I ever had. Thank you Mr. Bernardi for all that you gave and shared. Class of '76 NSHS
Andrea (Knappen) Neault
February 15, 2013
Mr. Bernardi had a significant impression on me that shaped my life as a teacher. My condolences to his family and to the rest of his sphere of influence--he will be loved forever.
Sandra Amaral
February 15, 2013
I was a student at NSHS, and while I didn't have Mr. Bernardi as a teacher, he was always in the hallways in between classes. He was always ready to greet you as you passed by with a friendly hello. It was with great sadness to hear that Mr. Bernardi passed away. Many prayers go to his family during this difficult time.
Norah J. Roche
February 15, 2013
I too, am former student of Mr. Bernardi. i wasn't always "present" but i always made his 2 classes. He got me through some very awkward and difficult times. I didn't buy a yearbook my senior year, so he wrote on a piece of paper for me. I still carry that paper with me everyday! i change wallets it goes too. that was in 1981. He was just so special and awesome to all students. I'm sure your family knows this already. Thank you for sharing him with all of us!
Condolences, Norah J. Roche
Susan Tomlinson
February 14, 2013
It's not often that someone impacts your life the way Mr. Bernardi did mine. He was the first person to help me get into recovery. I will never forget him and I know he has a very special VIP section up in Heaven. God Bless his family.
Sue Switzer-Tomlinson
NSHS Class of 81
T. Massey
February 14, 2013
Mr. Bernardi was principle @ Mount Toro when I went there & retired the year before I as set to graduate. I couldn't have that so I graduated early entering the G.E.D. class to make sure he saw me graduated. that his faith in me hadn't been misplaced. I graduated that year & insisted that he come back for the ceremony becasue I would not take my diploma from anyone else but him. He was an amazing teacher, He really made an impacton my life & 14 years later i've never forgotten one thing he's said to me, & I don't think I ever will. this world will never be the same without him." I still have the Mr. Bernardi retires newspaper clipping & have kept it in my bible for 14 years in it he shared a story that he lived his life by about an old man who walked along the beach tossing back all the sea stars stranded by the tide, when a younger man approached one day,he asked the old man why did he throw them back, why did it matter & the old man replied as he continued to throw the sea stars back into the ocean " it mattered to that one."mr. bernardi was that old man to me. It definately mattered to me. - Rain M. class of 2000 mt. toro high
Julie MacFarlane (Tribolet)
February 14, 2013
When I was younger, Mr. Bernardi along with the gang who worked at NSHS often came over to my house... he was a close family friend and a wonderful teacher. We all have fond memories of him. Prayers go out to his precious family.
Respectfully,
Julie, Christy, and Rose Tribolet
Sharon Smith
February 14, 2013
I have such fond memories of my favorite teacher at NSHS (Class of 1972). He always had a smile, kind word and laughter to share with me. My condolences to all of his family.
Margaret Knappen Shaw
February 13, 2013
John Bernardi was an administrator at NSHS when I worked in the main office there. He was a good man, and he will be missed. Much sympathy to Pat and his family.
February 13, 2013
February 13, 2013
Bill Wence
February 13, 2013
I remember John from El Sausal on through Hartnell...always smiling, there was always laughter. My prayers go out to Patsy and the family. I've been gone from Salinas forever it seems but at times like this, it brings me back home. He was a great guy and will be missed.
manuel ramos
February 12, 2013
my dearest, PAT,it has been a while since I last saw you and John,i will miss his humor and his friendship,take care o yourself and you family,hope I can see you soon,Manuel
Doug Edwards
February 12, 2013
I was very sad to learn of John's passing. We worked together in student government at Hartnell college in 1961-62. I was the class president and John was the student body president. What an amazing and dynamic leader! Twelve years later we were both on the faculty at North Salinas High. We worked together again years later when he was a guest speaker for the Amador Unified School District. I will always remember John Bernardi as a gifted educator and as a very personal friend.
Doug Edwards
Kris Pearson-Lippert
February 12, 2013
My heart is so heavy at the passing of John,(I felt best calling him Mr. Bernardi.) He was my teacher, mentor,and friend. Patrica, the girls, and his precious Sophie are very much in my heart as I know what a void he is leaving in their lives, as well as beautiful memories. Also I want to give my respect to his sister Fran because I also love her and know how much she loved her big brother. The most important days of my life I shared with him and Patricia: my graduation from NSHS 82', when I got married (he was there,) and the birth of my one and only son in 2004. God bless and give comfort to the entire family and all of his students out there who he never turned away and always seemed to have time for.
Kris Pearson Lippert, class of 1982
Dayna Pearson Barron, class of 1969
James Lippert, class of 1983
Gloria Fanning
February 11, 2013
Mr Bernardi was the most enthusiastic and inspired educator. I've always remembered him (1967) as my favorite teacher ever. I'm so sorry for your loss.
Georgia DeFont
February 11, 2013
I'm so sorry. Mr. Bernardi was one of my favorite teachers at NSHS. The world will be a sadder place without him.
Leroy Summers
February 11, 2013
Dear Patsy,
My most sincere sympathy to you and your family. I will always remember John as a wonderful and fun person. I am grateful to have have known him,and you too.
I will keep you in my prayers.
Mary Kay Sgheiza
February 11, 2013
I am so sorry to hear of John's passing. Working with him as an educator I considered him my mentor and will always remember how his advice was full of "common sense". His humor was contagious! He could admonish the toughest student with great success but he was a "Teddy Bear" with a heart of gold! He will be greatly missed!
Mary Kay Sgheiza
Gary and Sharon Prader
February 11, 2013
A good friend, you will be missed. Great to see you and Pat at the 50th.
Gary and Sharon Prader
Class 1960
Barbara Fahey
February 11, 2013
I'm so sorry to hear of John's passing. He had that special kind of spirit that, when he entered a room, everyone would be smiling within minutes. May memories of his brilliant life comfort his family. Special love to Patsy.
Cheryl Horton-Duffus
February 11, 2013
I am so sorry to read of Mr. Bernardi's passing. He was amazing man with a gift for teaching young people. He was my favorite teacher at NSHS and had such an influence on me. We stayed friends for years after high school, chatting from time and time. My prayers are with his family... he will be missed greatly.
February 11, 2013
Peggy Fowler, Kathy Deaton, Sharps sister
Carolyn (Long) De Lagrave
February 11, 2013
A life well used, a place in heaven well earned. Rest in Peace. Condolences to the family.
February 11, 2013
As a member of the NSHS class of 1960, I remember John as always smiling. He definitely saw the glass as being half full. I can easily believe he was a marvelous teacher. Rest in peace my friend. Terry Tavernetti
Allen Teague
February 11, 2013
What a great and happy soul!. After graduating from North Salinas High, John, George, LeMoyne and I shared an apartment and later a house together while attending San Francisco State. We always looked forward to John traveling back to Castroville to see his family as he would come back with a case of artichoke and a huge jar of marinated artichoke hearts! And we always enjoyed it when it was John's turn to cook!! I will forever remember his smile and laughter. I am certain he will be missed by many. I send love and condolences to Patricia and John's entire family.
Patricia Cornett
February 11, 2013
I am so sorry to see that Mr. Bernardi passed away. He was such an inspiration to me--I can almost hear him today saying maintain your passion and liberalism which I have indeed, tried to do. (NSHS, Class of 72)
Dean Davis
February 11, 2013
Great teacher at NSHS (Class of 70). He will be missed
Linda Hughes
February 11, 2013
My mentor, my friend. May you rest in peace. My condolences to his family. He was just the best.
Neil Galimba
February 10, 2013
Thank you for your years of service to the community and the inspiration and education of so many youth in the Salinas Valley! Neil NSHS 1991.
LEONARD ELLIS
February 10, 2013
WHAT A WONDERFUL MAN, HEAVEN WILL BE A BETTER PLACE BECAUSE OF JOHN. PRAYERS TO THE FAMILY
Suzan Tibbetts Hader
February 10, 2013
Mr. Bernardi was my most favorite teacher at NSHS, he made me smile and laugh each day in his class. What a terrific man and an asset to teaching. My condolences to his family
Kathy Sharp
February 10, 2013
He was my favorite teacher I graduated in 72 he was so kind and good natured a wonderful person I spoke on the phone with him a few months back very sad
Barbara Greer
February 10, 2013
I am so sorry for the family's loss. John was a super friend and person. We will all miss him. He and Patsy made a great couple. I am sure the wonderful things he did in his life bode well for the afterlife. He is probably setting up classes in heaven.
Kelly Whitney Menefee
February 10, 2013
My deepest sympathies to the family & having had the pleasure of both knowing & working with him at NSHS, he truly was one of the good ones.
Judy Perry Reburn
February 10, 2013
I remember John from high school. He was an upstanding human being and my prayers go out to the whole family for God's comfort at this difficult time.
Tracy Stock
February 10, 2013
I am also a former student of Mr. Bernardi's from NSHS. He was one of my favorite teachers. He was a listener, and advisor when I needed someone to talk to. He will be truly missed. Prayers to his family for peace and comfort.
Tammy Clark-Henschel
February 10, 2013
I'm so grateful to have had Mr. Bernardi as a teacher, mentor and a friend. He was an inspiration to me and he will be dearly missed. My condolences to his family.
Ferd Galinato
February 10, 2013
As a former student, I am saddened by this. I have nothing but good memories of being in his class. Thank You Mr. Bernardi! You made a difference in many lives....myself included.
Sherry Martinelli
February 10, 2013
Thank you Mr. Bernardi for being an inspiration. You taught me a lot when I graduated from college and started teaching. Your legacy will live on. No one whose lives you touched will ever forget your dedication, passion and true love of people, especially children.
Sherry Martinelli
Class of 1981
NSHS
Chuck Repsher
February 10, 2013
I'm saddened to learn of John's passing. He was one of a kind, influenced and helped many people in his life. My thoughts and prayers go out to Patsy and family.
Carol (Bird) Johnson
February 10, 2013
Patsy and family, my condolences to you all. When I moved to Castroville under truly awful circumstances, John was always kind and welcoming to me and helped make my life bareable. Patsy, I can't even imagine how much you will miss him. Peace to all of John's family.
Rich Quinley
February 9, 2013
I remember John well as one of the "Castroville kids" at El Sausal and thru our Junior year at Salinas High. John was always a class act and I truly regret being out of touch with him and Patsy as well since our high school days.
February 9, 2013
I was so sorry to hear about John, my thoughts and prayers go to you Patsy and your family. Sincerely, Sally LeLievre
Anita Montero
February 9, 2013
I have fond memories of John since 1956 when Castroville students were first bused to El Sausal. I took this picture of John at our 50th class reunion. He was always one of The Good Guys!
My thoughts and prayers are with Patsy and their family.
Anita
Stanley Rice
February 9, 2013
So sorry to hear of our classmate's passing. Our prayers and thoughts to all of the family
February 9, 2013
Patricia and family, I am so sorry for your loss. John was a very special guy. I first met him at North Salinas High School and also was in the 1st graduating class. He was always so friendly to everyone. I am glad I got to see and visit with him at our 50th class reunion. One terrific man.
Blessings to all the family,
Delores (T-BO)Meier Wilkinson
Carolyn (Davis) McFadden
February 9, 2013
So sad to hear of John's passing. Being a friend of John & Franca, during high school, I spent time with their loving family at their home. My condolences to all of the family. Carolyn
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