Richard Benedict Bernhardt, passed away peacefully, on March 9, 2012, with his wife and children at his side. He was born September 12, 1926 in Toledo, Ohio. His first of many accomplishments was earning the title of "Marble Champ" of Toledo at age 8. Richard served in the Navy during World War II and graduated with honors from the University of Notre Dame. He excelled in many sports, especially football. Playing as center for Notre Dame, Dick's sure hands never once fumbled the ball. Dick had a successful career as Vice President of Investments for Great Southern Life Insurance Company. He was a member of St Cyril's Catholic Church, where he served as a Eucharistic Minister for 42 years. Dick played a key roll in building the church and in recent years found fulfillment and enjoyment in conducting communion services at Atria Assisted Living. Richard and Elizabeth Jeanette Hilz married on May 2, 1959. Dick and Betty were happily married for more than 52 years and together raised four children: Mary, Patricia, Thomas, and Sarah. Dick welcomed son-in-law Sean Clements into the family and was recently blessed with beautiful granddaughter Delilah. He is survived by loving sisters Betty Woznicki and Barbara Bernhardt, brother Jim Bernhardt, and many nieces and nephews. With "Faith, Family & Friends" as his foundation, Dick danced his way through life. Friends are invited to a visitation with the family from 5 to 7pm, Tuesday, March 13th, with a Rosary at 6:30 pm, at Forest Park Westheimer. The Mass of the Resurrection will be held at 2 pm on March 14th, at St. Cyril of Alexandria Church, 10503 Westheimer, Houston, TX, with reception to follow at the church hall. The family requests that donations may be made to West Houston Assistance Ministry (WHAM), or Covenant House.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Houston Chronicle on Mar. 12, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Bernhardt

9 Entries

Sydney Berg

March 15, 2012

Betty,
Jim and I were very sad to hear about Dick passing away. Jim and Amanda remember the Father and Daughter breakfasts at St Agnes, and the fun they had with Dick and Sarah.Please tell Sarah we are thinking of her.

March 15, 2012

Dear Mrs. Bernhardt and family:
We are deeply sorry to hear about Mr. Bernhardt's passing. We will always remember his kind smile and how neighborly he always was. Every time I saw the newspaper next to our door instead of on the front yard, I knew if was him bringing it to us. We will also remember him in church and his devotion to serving as a Eucharist minister. My daughter was very saddened by the news when I called her in Dallas. She always referred to him as "Max's dad" as she remembers Mr. Bernhardt walking Max everyday when she was growing up. Our prayers and love and with you and all your family. We know he is with the Lord enjoying his presence. Much love. Nieves, Paula and Alejandra Narvaez

Peggy Ascherl

March 13, 2012

Betty, We will pray for you at Mass in the morning. Your family is being held in our hearts.

Elise Campana

March 12, 2012

I am so sorry at Dick's passing, Betty. I didn't get to know him well, however, I enjoyed serving Eucharist with him at mass and just sat next to him last week at St.Cyril and shared the handshake of peace. Little did I know that it would be the last one. My heart goes out to you in sympathy having lost my husband two years ago in April. May you feel the Lord's Consoling Presence and His deep love for you. Prayers for all of you. Elise Campana

March 12, 2012

It was with shock that I read my email concerning Dick's passing. It seems like yesterday that we were all doing ministries at St Cyril and the children were still young. I will miss seeing him at the classes and listening to his remarks. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Nina Fanning

Honoring Those Who Served-Ministry

Chaplain Richard Reuer

March 12, 2012

I wish to extend to you and to members of your family my deepest sympathy on your loss. May the Lord's loving promsies comfort you and give you strength as you walk through this difficult time.

"HONORING THOSE WHO SERVED"-MINISTRY
Chaplain Richard Reuer
1206 6th St Sw
Minot, ND 58701

Pam McClure

March 12, 2012

Mrs. Bernhardt,
I always enjoyed coming over and getting a big bear hug from Mr. Bernhardt when picking up Mary at the house. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Sharon Barron

March 12, 2012

Mrs. Berrnhardt, I was saddened to hear about Mr. Bernhardt's death. He was a true friend to my Dad and they shared many happy times together. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Sharon Simpson Barron

Hill

March 12, 2012

I am very sorry to hear of the lost of your dear loved one. Psalms 66:19 says: " Truly God has heard; He has paid attention to the voice of my prayer." God hears our prayers and feels our pain. God can give You the strength needed to endure.

Showing 1 - 9 of 9 results