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BORN

1937

DIED

2015

Robert Berdoulay Obituary

Robert Pierre Berdoulay, 77, of Nottingham, Pa. passed away on Saturday, June 6, 2015 following a stroke days earlier. Born in New York City on July 28, 1937, Bob was the son of the late Emile F. Berdoulay and Helen Sutherland Berdoulay. He taught biology for 35 years at Kennett High School in Kennett Square, Pa. Married for 48 years to his beloved wife, Margaret (Peggy) Regester Berdoulay, he was widowed in 2006. He was also preceded in death by his son David in 2013. He is survived by son Alan and wife Karen, son Rob and wife Allison, and daughter-in-law Lisa, all of Nottingham, Pa.; brother Alan McIver Berdoulay and sister Lynne Fieldhouse; six grandchildren, Sarah and fiancée Troy St. John, Eli Cullum, Ben, Jack, and Maggie. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, June 14 at 3:30 p.m. with visitation beginning at 2 p.m. at Oxford Presbyterian Church, 6 Pine Street, Oxford, PA 19363.

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Published by Daily Local News from Jun. 10 to Jun. 11, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
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Carol Hipkins

July 12, 2015

Mr. Berdoulay was a wonderful teacher. This was the class I really looked forward to going to. I treasure the memories of him and the way he taught and made the class so interesting and his patience were endless. Thank you Mr. B for the good times, laughter and education. Carol Amberg Hipkins

Robin & Karl Schlecker

July 2, 2015

Karl and I just learned of Bob's passing and are stuck in some kind of toxic loop trying to reckon how his world will try to balance the loss of his bravado, focus, joy, and heart. As colleagues we saw him inspire his students and peers to not settle, to always reach for what was right. Alan, David, and Rob all caught their Dad's fire. I'm sure that David is calling him out on something this very moment, and Peggy is smiling and waiting for her moment to laugh with them both.
Alan and Rob, two of your very old teachers are holding you in their hearts right now. Your Dad's was a life worth celebrating.

June 18, 2015

Alan, Rob, and family,
Sincere condolences in the loss of your father. David and I have lost our fathers and truly understand your loss. May you find comfort in reading the many tributes to your father written here. The positive impact he had on the lives of others is remarkable and demonstrates that, though our loved ones may have gone before us, their spirit actually lives on within others and thereby softly lights your path until you meet again.
Blessings and peace to all, David & Janis from open mic Tuesday

Michelle Tuel

June 16, 2015

What an excellent teacher. I actually loved biology because of Mr. B. We also had some fun times. I will never forget when he took our whole class out to lunch one day. Arby's in Painter's Crossing. We spent the time talking and laughing. Thanks for the memories Mr. B! You left a lasting impression on so many of your students. God bless his family.
Michelle Zunino Tuel (class of '89)

Tim Skiles

June 15, 2015

Hunted at the farm with David, after school, had many KEA parties there as well! Great teacher, colleague. I'll miss him, Tim Skiles

Bob Hoch

June 14, 2015

I taught with Bob for most of his 35 years and got to know him fairly well. His was the E.F. Hutton voice of the faculty. When he spoke, people listened. He was a strong advocate for the rights of teachers and was never afraid to speak out when he sensed an injustice. Even those who disagreed with him (and there weren't too many) respected and admired him. Unfortunately, I haven't seen him very often since he retired but he is a man that I will not forget. My sincere condolences to the family.

Rick Nelms

June 14, 2015

Tremendous colleague greatly respected by students ,staff, and administration. It was a pleasure working with him.

Lauren, Hilary and DB

June 14, 2015

Alan and Sara,
I am so sad to hear that your dad/gpa passed. I so enjoyed anytime I was around him and Lauren and Hilary will also hold fond memories. I wish there was something I could do or say to help you through this time, but words fall short as I have come to realize. Me and the girls are always here for you guys.

Ed and Nancy Fitzkee

June 14, 2015

We, too, grieve the passing of Berdie, my favorite crossword mentor. May God's love sustain you in this sad hour and for many days to come

June 13, 2015

To the Berdoulay family
I am a teacher today because I had a wonderful role model, Mr. Berdoulay. I was very fortunate to be his student twice in my high school years at Kennett. Biology I in 10th grade and Biology II my senior year. One of my fondest memories was going to a science convention in Philadelphia for two days.
Sending my deepest condolences.

Joan Basilio McConnell, KHS 1970

Janice Fitzkee Brown

June 13, 2015

I remembered a funny store I'd like to share that my father, Ed Fitzkee, tells of a faculty golf game. Mr. Berdoulay, Mr. Ogercek, my dad, and one other faulty member were a foursome for a faculty golf game. Three people were sharing one golf club that was adjustable - one club for any shot but the head adjusted. A quick shower came up and everything got damp. Mr. B was the first to go after the shower passed. He swung, hit the ball, but the club flew out of his hands, spinning like a helicopter blade over a fence and landing on the roof of a nearby house!! Mr. B went over, knocked on the door and asked if he could get his golf club off the roof. The homeowner told him, "Get the hell outta here" and closed the door. Can you imagine!! You can't make this stuff up.
My father never told me that story until AFTER I was out of high school. So funny and I can absolutely see this all happening. As you can tell, my father also really enjoyed Mr. Berdoulay. Great colleagues and friends.

June 13, 2015

So very sorry for the loss of Mr. Berdoulay. I have many fond memories of time spent with him at DSAS. My thoughts, and prayers go out to his family.

Walt Wisowaty

June 13, 2015

Rob and Family....I am sorry for your loss. But take comfort in knowing that Bob is now resting in the arms of our Lord. My deepest condolences to you and your family. He will truly be missed by ME and the DIAMOND STATE AQUARIUM SOCIETY! You all are in my prayers. GOD BLESS YOU!

janice Fitzkee Brown

June 13, 2015

One of my all-time favorite teachers. I LOVED his personality. A kind, funny, caring man. My sympathy to the family. It looks like it has been a tough couple of years for you. I hope it helps to know how much myself and others thought of him.

Janice Fitzkee Brown

Damon Sinclair

June 12, 2015

Mr. Berdoulay was a very likable and in many ways a very sweet man. I did not have him for any classes but I did have him for home room in, I believe it was 11th grade. He was very cool for a teacher as we might have said back then, smart, funny, charming and was the rare teacher that did not play favorites. This was one special human being who inspired many of us with his kindness and sense of humor .... He was a champion.

June 12, 2015

He was my biology teacher and made a lasting memory for me. I went to Mr. Berdoulay after I was diagnosed with my diabetes. I was scared, unsure & completely overwhelmed. He sat me down, explained the disease (in terms that I could actually understand) and gave me hope. The same hope that I hung onto throughout years of ups & downs.

On top of that he was just a cool, funny & kind man. My condolences to his family & friends.
Kimberly Bazzoli

June 12, 2015

To Mr. B's family my deepest sympathy. He was a great teacher, he loved his work and his kids, and was especially patient with one, me.

A little prayer will be said for you and him this Sunday. God bless you all.

Clark Gregg
KHS '68

June 12, 2015

My condolences go out to Bob's family. I remember that Bob was one of the most respected teachers in the school. Always great visiting the "farm."

Nancy McMahon

June 12, 2015

Alan,Rob and family,
I never had him as a teacher, but he always had a smile and hello, passing him in the halls. I knew him out of school thru Peggy. I babysat for Alan, David and Rob when Rob was a baby, as Peggy had babysat for my family a few times when I was little. Was glad to catch up with him at our 40th KHS reunion.
May the memories of your Dad comfort you in the days ahead. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Love, Nancy Wollaston McMahon

June 12, 2015

One Great teacher who I will ALWAYS remember and loved! He used to let us drive his car during lunch! Such fun memories! RIP Mr. Berdoulay!
Clara Vannini-Aquilino

June 12, 2015

I absolutely loved Mr. Berdoulay!! He was funny, kind and class was always interesting. He was my FAVORITE TEACHER EVER!! Very sorry i cannot attend the services.
Meg Pusey Lawrence

Karen (Mochnoc) Davenport

June 12, 2015

I remember him fondly. Though I never had him as a student we would joke around in the hallways of KHS. He was a wonderful person and my deepest sympathies to the family. He will be missed by many.

Tish (KInsey) Copeland

June 12, 2015

One smart guy! As a former student, I remember how he made us feel smart, appreciated, and even a little "cool" - Couldn't wait to be in his class!

Norris Cramer

June 12, 2015

My condolences to the whole family. One of my greatest teen age memories was being at the Farm watching fireworks with the Berdoulay Family. My prayers are with you all. God bless, Norris Cramer

Chuck, Chip & Pam

June 12, 2015

Alan, Rob & family,
So shocked to hear about your loss. Thanks to David, my fondest memory of your dad will be from the picnic just a couple weeks ago when he gave us a lesson on the difference between a creek and a stream. All your family will be in our prayers.

Jeannie McCarthy

June 11, 2015

Mr. Berdoulay, you inspired so many of us. Thank you for your gentle guidance. You were an exceptional teacher that made a real imapct. Please know that your students carry on with the wisdom learned from you; and we will take it into the next generation. With much love and respect, Jeannie McCarthy-Jaggi ( Now a Research Methods professor - thanks again for sharing your love of science, Mr Berdoulay!).

Mary Royer

June 11, 2015

To the Berdoulay Family,

I was indeed saddened to learn of Mr. Berdoulay's death. I sorrow with you in your loss, but also Rejoice with you in our Resurrected Christ.

I was Secretary to the Principal at Kennett High School and always enjoyed working with and knowing Mr. Berdoulay.

With Sincere Christian Sympathy,

Mary J. Royer

Joy Baker

June 11, 2015

A great teacher

June 11, 2015

He was an amazing teacher who left a permanent mark on his student's. Not only a teacher, but he was also a role model for us all...
-Pam Eppinger (McGinnis)

Mary Pat (Gain) Barton

June 11, 2015

I'm so very sorry for your loss. He was one of the best teachers around and I still remember, so many years later, the life lessons he taught us.

Jeff Weible

June 11, 2015

No family have I known longer, except my own. I remember I was watching TV with Mr. B when I learned Elvis died. Time Passes, memories fade, but the love of family lasts forever. Peace to you..

Kim Greeley-Jones

June 11, 2015

What a wonderful teacher and all around great person. My condolences to Alan, Rob and families. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Dina Ruggieri

June 11, 2015

I had Mr. Berdoulay for his last year of teaching at KHS and I'm so happy I had the chance to have him as a teacher! He was so much fun and such a nice person. Sending my condolences.

Elaine Fiore

June 11, 2015

To Bob's Family, I was so blessed to have your dad as my teacher. In fact our class (class of 67) was his first class at KHS. He was such a wonderful teacher and person. Please accept my deepest sympathy. Elaine Fiore

Christopher OBrien

June 11, 2015

An excellent teacher and a fine man. He will be missed.

Jen Zunino-Smith

June 11, 2015

The best teacher there ever was. Thank you for being so great. Truly unforgettable.

Nancy Torres

June 11, 2015

I can't tell you how much I appreciated Bob as a great teacher and a wonderful person. He will be missed.

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Memorial Events
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Jun

14

Visitation

2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Oxford Presbyterian Church

6 Pine Street, Oxford, PA 19382

Jun

14

Memorial service

3:30 p.m.

Oxford Presbyterian Church

6 Pine Street, Oxford, PA 19382

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