Bernard Paul Mehlbaum

Bernard Mehlbaum, known to most simply as Bernie, passed away on April 30, 2025.

Born January 24, 1942, in Washington, DC, Bernie was the oldest of six children born to Bernard Sr. and Angeline Mehlbaum. He was a caring big brother who cherished his relationships with his siblings throughout his lifetime. He was proud of the accomplishments of his family members and loved to talk about them to others. He was the family historian who kept in touch with relatives of different generations and preserved the Mehlbaum and DeGaetano legacies through extensive photos and documents.

Bernie made a career investing in real estate and owned properties in California, Florida, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. He could see the potential beauty in an old house and particularly loved restoring historic homes. A gifted mechanic and natural problem-solver, he could - and often did - renovate entire properties on his own. His last project was "Camp Bernardo," his happy place in Palm Springs, where he spent winters soaking in the desert sun, feeding the hummingbirds, spending time with friends, and finding both rest and inspiration.

A true Renaissance man, Bernie had a wide range of hobbies and skills. Bernie was a gifted cook, known especially for his famous cheesecake, which earned near-mythical status among friends and neighbors. He was an inquisitive person who loved to research topics and share his findings with others. There wasn't much he couldn't fix, build, or improve, whether it was an engine, a leaky roof, or a vacuum. He loved vacuums and had an extensive collection of antique machines that he bought and repaired. He had many professional licenses, including pilot, real estate agent, property manager, condo association manager, cosmetologist, and commercial and international driver's licenses. He maintained his own cars and even had his own motorcycle repair business for several years.

Beyond work, Bernie lived richly and on his own terms. He was a passionate traveler who found joy in discovering new places, whether on a spontaneous road trip or a well-planned getaway. He enjoyed learning languages and practicing his vocabulary with those he met in his travels. He was quietly independent, endlessly capable, and deeply connected to those who knew him.

Though he never married or had children, Bernie cultivated many deep friendships, most spanning decades, such as with his closest friend, Rick Whiteaker. He was the kind of friend who showed up, lent a hand without being asked, and remembered the small things that made people feel seen, like important dates and milestones in their life.

He is predeceased by his parents, his brother Albert Mehlbaum, and half-sister Patricia Wolfgang. He is survived by his siblings Paul Miller, Mark Mehlbaum, Philip Mehlbaum, and Ann Robinson, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins, and a wide circle of beloved friends. In accordance with his wishes, no formal funeral will be held. A private online celebration of life will take place later this summer.

In Bernie's honor, fix something, cook something, or book that trip you've been putting off - he'd like that.