Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Bennard Henry Nears
1955 - 2025
BORN
1955
DIED
2025
FUNERAL HOME
UPCOMING SERVICE
Bennard Nears Obituary
Bennard Henry Nears, affectionately known as Bernie, of Sacramento, passed away on September 11, 2025, after a brief but courageous battle with cancer. He will be deeply missed by all who loved him and had the joy of knowing him.
Born October 9, 1955, in Oakland, California, to Ben and Silver Lee Nears, Bennard grew up on Sextus Road in East Oakland with his four brothers and a circle of neighborhood friends. Always the life of the party, he was known for his humor, storytelling, and ability to light up any room.
After many years in the Bay Area and North Bay, Bennard made Sacramento his home for the past several decades. His charisma and work ethic led him into many roles - from machinist to construction and painting. He was especially proud of his time volunteering at a food bank in Midtown, a way of giving back to the city and people who had given so much to him.
Bennard's passions included cooking, road trips, beach days, traveling - his favorite trips were to Paris and Germany-and spending time with family and friends. People knew if Bernie was coming to a party or gathering, it would be a good time. A lifelong fan of horror and suspense films, Tremors among his favorites, he delighted in sharing his latest discoveries.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Chris and Willie Nears. He is survived by his children, Damon (Shaun) Nears and Jasmine Nears; six grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; brothers Kennard and Sylvester Nears; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
A celebration of his life will be held on Friday, October 24, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Oakland Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church, 10115 Edes Avenue, Oakland, CA 94603. A repast will follow at a different location.
In lieu of flowers, please consider honoring our Dad's legacy of service by supporting the Central Downtown Food Basket, where he spent years giving back to the community.
Donations may be made in his honor by sending a check to:
Central Downtown Food Basket
1701 L Street
Sacramento, CA 95811
Or online at CDFB.org .
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memorial Events
for Bennard Nears
Memories and Condolences
for Bennard Nears
Sponsored by Neptune Society - Sacramento.
1 Entry
Neptune Society of Northern California
September 30, 2025
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
Showing 1 - 1 of 1 results
Make a Donation
in Bennard Nears's name
How to support Bennard's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Bennard Nears's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
