Bernard J. Tritelli

1938 - 2016

Bernard J. Tritelli

AGE: 77 • Wilmington

Bernard John Tritelli, 77 of Wilmington, DE, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, June 16, 2016, surrounded by his loving family after a long struggle with Alzheimer's. Bernie was born on July 10, 1938 in Wilmington, DE and was a 1956 graduate of Salesianum School, where he was a four-year member of the varsity football team and co-captain.

Bernie played in the first annual Blue-Gold All Star Football Game in 1956 to benefit the Delaware Foundation for Retarded Children. He was honored to be chosen and excited about the prospect of playing with and against the best players in the state.

Bernie married his high school sweetheart, Barbara Prorock on September 20, 1958. Together they enjoyed 57 wonderful years of marriage as best friends and constant companions; sharing, celebrating, and supporting each other through life's many journeys.

Bernie had been employed by the Del Campo Baking Company, in Elsmere, DE as a driver-salesman for more than 36 years. He enjoyed his day-to-day contact with his customers. He always had a kind word for everyone and a beautiful smile. His generosity of heart and his patience knew no boundaries. Bernie was a gentle, peaceful man and he will be deeply missed by his family.

His hobbies included spending time with his children and grandchildren, golfing and traveling. He especially enjoyed the trip to Italy with his wife on their 50th wedding anniversary. He was a member of the Newark Senior Center, utilizing the pool almost daily and socializing with his "pool buddies".

Bernie's generosity was unending when it came to his favorite past time - his grandchildren. Whether it was attending their sporting events, going to the pool with them on summer days, spending afternoons in New Castle at Battery Park or taking them out to lunch or dinner, they knew they were loved.

Bernie is survived by his wife, Barbara; his son, Bernard Joseph (Terri); his daughter, Deborah Halligan (Chris); his grandchildren, Danielle, Joelle, Lance, Leah, Susannah, Brenna, Matthew, and Hannah; and his great-grandchildren, Trent, Meridian, Luke and Noah.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bernard "Bennie" F. and Mary (Marioni) Tritelli; and his brother, Fred.

Bernie's family would like to extend their gratitude to the nurses, aides and staff at Weston Senior Living and Compassionate Care Hospice in addition to their caring friends for all of the prayers and well wishes.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00am on Wednesday, June 22, 2016 at St. Elizabeth Church, Cedar and Clayton Streets, Wilmington, DE 19805, where family and friends may visit from 9:45 - 10:45am. Entombment will follow in Cathedral Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Bernie's memory can be made to Alzheimer's Disease Research, PO Box 1950, Clarksburg, MD 20871-1950 or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, PO Box 1893, Memphis, TN 38101-9950.

Doherty Funeral Home

302-999-8277

To send condolences, visit:

www.dohertyfh.com