Patrick Spitaletta Bernard

Patrick "Pat" Spitaletta Bernard passed away on January 4, 2017 in Newport Beach, CA. Born January 3, 1931 in Jersey City, NJ Pat married his beautiful wife and artist of 45 years Marilyn Wilson Bernard on September 30, 1961. Marilyn predeceased Pat in 2006. Patrick was also predeceased by his parents Joseph Spitaletta and Madeline (Viola) Spitaletta, four sisters- Rita Tetsino, Theresa " Terri" Cerchio, Concetta "Connie" McGuiness, Mary Mahon and one brother- Frank Spitaletta. He is survived by his two daughters Susan Chase (married to Russ) with two grandsons Reid and Parker and Karen Musselman (married to Jeff) with three granddaughters Alexandra "Alex", Madeline "Maddie" and Ella all of Newport beach, CA and his sister Elena "Helen" Pacia (99 years old) of New Brunswick, New Jersey. Pat attended Lincoln HS in Jersey City and went on to receive a B.S. Degree in Biology from the University of Rhode Island where he played basketball with an athletic scholarship and was the President of his Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity. Pat took continuing education courses in NYU's PhD program during his nearly fifty years of research in the pharmaceuticals industry. After graduation from URI in 1952. Pat served the country as a member of the United States Army while stationed in Germany during the Korean War. During his professional career Pat conducted research for forty-eight years specializing in neuropharmcology for two pharmaceutical companies including Novartis (formerly Ciba-Geigy) for thirty-eight years. Patrick was committed to his work, often going long periods without a break, and the hard work paid off as he contributed to major breakthroughs in neuropharmacology while being recognized in the industry for the discovery of an appetite suppressant helping people with related medical issues. His work also took him around the world where he experienced many different cultures supporting Marilyn's love of art and nature while presenting his published research papers at prestigious industry gatherings. Although his basketball career ended in college he remained a "team player" by participating in his company's organized sports events including tennis, golf and softball team. Patrick grew up Catholic and later Pat and Marilyn became members of the Odgen Presbyterian Church in Chatham, New Jersey. The Bernard family were long time members of the Chatham Fish & Game Swim and Racquet Club in Chatham, NJ. Pat became an avid tennis player and tennis fan and was willing to share this ultracompetitive side with anyone with a tennis racquet. The family spent summer vacations on the Jersey Shore in Beach Haven, Manasquan and Pt. Pleasant and in Eastham, Massachusetts on Cape Cod. Shortly after retirement in 2006 at age 75 years old Pat joined his daughters Susan and Karen and their families in Southern California. Although on the west coast Pat remained an avid New York Giants football fan and New York Yankees baseball fan, although over the past decade he warmed up to being a Dodgers fan. It was the grandkids sports where he really loved spending his time; supporting the youth, high school and college seasons of football, baseball, soccer, basketball, swimming and water polo. Pat also remained active in tennis by joining a group through the Oasis Center in Corona Del Mar. He greatly appreciated the special friendships he made with Bob, Irv and the rest of the tennis crew that extended into each other's personal and family lives. His quiet strong presence, genuine interest in others' lives and special gift of relating in a way that made us all feel loved and cared for will be missed. Patrick will be laid to rest together with his wife on Saturday January 7, 2017 at 1pm in Pacific View Memorial Park in Corona Del Mar, California and as the Psalmist wrote they "will dwell in the house of the Lord forever". There will be a reception at the Musselman home in Newport Beach, CA immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers please contribute to the American Diabetes Association at www.diabetes.org.