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Paul Bernardi Obituary
Paul M. Bernardi, 63 of Mahopac, NY passed away on October, 9th 2012. He was born on December 1, 1948 to Paul and Catherine Bernardi of Yonkers, NY.
Paul graduated from Lincoln High School, class of 1966 and New York University, class of 1970.
Paul, a trombonist had a very prominent career. He played on the single "A Fifth of Beethoven" which was used in the motion picture "Saturday Night Fever." He toured with Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons and Jay Black & the Americans. Paul performed on the off Broadway Show "The Golden Land" and was a part of the Big Band at Ronald Reagan's 2nd Inaugural Gala. Paul touched the lives of many during his 35 years as a music and band teacher at Yonkers and Tuckahoe School districts. He was also a personal trainer at various gyms in Westchester and Putnam counties. He also held numerous titles as a power lifter.
Mr. Bernardi is survived by his mother Catherine; his two brothers Gary Bernardi and Glen Bernardi; four children, five grandchildren and two nephews.
Visiting hours will be held Thursday from 7-9pm, Friday 2-4pm and 7-9pm at Joseph J. Smith Funeral Home in Mahopac, NY. A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday at 10:30am at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Hawthorne, NY in Our Lady Queen of Peace Chapel.
Joseph J. Smith Funeral Home
692 Us-Rt. 6
Mahopac, NY 10541
845-621-1992
www.josephjsmithfuneralhome.com
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Memories and Condolences
for Paul Bernardi
Rhonda
October 4, 2022
I still miss you so much, my dear friend Paul!
RHONDA MARKMAN
October 8, 2019
I will never forgot my beautiful friend Paul......he will live in my heart forever!
Dr. Jennifer Schulman
October 4, 2019
Paul was a dynamic and charismatic person and teacher...as his colleague and then his principal, I valued what he brought to his students in knowledge and experience...gone but never forgotten...Dr. Jennifer Schulman
Orquidea Sanso
October 22, 2012
It was a privilege to have known Paul. He was a wonderful teacher and friend. His life may have ended too soon, but he leaves behind a tremendous legacy.
Joanne Cannale
October 21, 2012
Paul Bernardi was an amazing leader, composer, teacher and friend. We became fast friends his first day at our school, William E. Cottle Elementary. He shared many stories of his experience as a teacher, performer and as a family man.
He often spoke of his love for the Cottle children and their families. He quickly embraced our family as we did him. Paul was a natural at encouraging children in the art of music. He taught us about discipline, courage and about passion. He was passionate about life and his music. It was a privilege to know him as a professional and friend of three years. I will miss our stage chats and seeing you love our children here at Cottle. I hope you are happy in the biggest band of your life with your golden trombone.
Your friend,
Joanne Cannale
Jennifer Schulman
October 21, 2012
Paul was an incredible music teacher and musician- I am proud to have been his principal- Jennifer Schulman
Terri Angelilli
October 13, 2012
Paul was a truly amazing and talented man. He gave so much of himself to all who knew him, especially the PEARLS students and staff. He will truly be missed. God be with his family.
Lauren Bacote
October 13, 2012
Mr. Bernardi was truly a gentle soul and and he was a gifted musician. I am a graduate of the first PEARLS class, and Ioved to see his smile everyday, even though I was never in the band! God bless his family; he left a legacy that will live on forever.
October 13, 2012
Mr. Bernardi's love for our children and the music that they created together was infectious. He was such a gentleman and such a gentle man. Our son, Ryan, enjoyed every minute of his time with "Mr. B" and will think of him whenever he plays his saxophone. And, our family will always remember the kindness he showed to us as Ryan recuperated. He told Ryan they were just having a "tough year". Mr. Bernardi... rest in peace. And may your family find solace in knowing you are most surely playing with the angels. All our love, The Kelly Family
Dennis Adinolfi
October 12, 2012
I miss you already Paul...your time here was too short, but you have touched many people...RIP my friend
Catherine Leon
October 12, 2012
Paul Bernardi was one of the
Finest musicians I have had the pleasure to work with. He was an outstanding teacher and inspired his students to learn and love music. My condolences to his family and friends. May bands and choirs of angels serenade you. Rest in peace.
Catherine Leon
Former Music Teacher/ Tuckahoe
joanne chivinski
October 12, 2012
A terrible loss for all those lives Paul touched throughout his life. I'll never forget the joy I felt when the children in his band at PEARLS sounded like a professional orchestra. He will be missed! Love to all his family members.
"Max", Fip and Alex
October 12, 2012
We feel utterly crushed to have lost our beautiful, dear friend, Paul. He will live in our hearts forever. Our deepest sympathies go out to his loving family, who we have grown so fond of.
Rest in peace "George".
Carmine Lippolis
October 12, 2012
I just found out...I'm just in a total shock...Paul was amazing, I worked out with him for three years and he is the reason i got in shape...we had so many laughs and loved to talk about so many things in life at the gym...My heart goes out to his family...RIP Paulie
"Max", Fip and Alex Gutfleish
October 11, 2012
We feel utterly crushed to have lost our beautiful, dear friend, Paul. He will live in our hearts forever. Our deepest sympathies go out to his loving family, who we've grown so fond of.
Rest in peace, "George".
Betty Rose Barsa
October 11, 2012
Heartfelt sympathies from the Barsa Family, Betty, Jonathan, Linda, and Stephanie.
Rachel Sheffet
October 11, 2012
I was so sad to hear of Mr. Bernardi's illness and premature passing. Mr. Bernardi was a very special and wonderful person. My condolences to his family and friends. May you rest in peace Mr. Bernardi.
Doug Richman
October 11, 2012
Rest in peace.
Joe Cheech
October 11, 2012
Mr. Bernardi saved my life in 9th grade. I was stranded after a big snow storm and he picked me up in his 4-wheeler and took me home. RIP
Marie Brussow Aery
October 11, 2012
My prayers go out to his family, and he will be included in my prayers daily, my condolences!!!
The Collins Family
October 11, 2012
Mr. Bernardi was an amazing teacher. Our son learned so much from him...we were truly blessed to have had him in our Tuckahoe community. Our deepest condolences to his family.
Estelle Abramowitz
October 11, 2012
You always made
me laugh Thank you for the good tines.
With sympathy,
Estelle Abramowitz
The Oliverio family
October 11, 2012
Mr. Bernardi inspired so many children to share in his love and passion of music. He had high expectations and his students would show up prepared and ready to perform for him. He was a beautiful man both inside and out, always friendly always smiling. So many families in our community will remember him with fondness and appreciation.
Our deepest sympathy to his family and friends.
Jane Petretti
October 11, 2012
Paul was a wonderful, generous, and happy person. He touched the lives of so many students at PEARLS. His concerts were amazing. It is so sad to hear of his passing. Heartfelt condolences to his family.
Dorothy Espositi
October 11, 2012
Paul, a true gentleman, a wonderful musician,teacher, father and friend. He spoke highly of his children and was so proud of becoming a Grandpa! He always had a smile on his face..I will miss his presence and his playing the oldies on the piano...my deepest sympathy to Paul's children and family.
Paul Mutolo
October 10, 2012
I can remember as clear as day standing in the auditorium at P.S. #5 in Yonkers with Mr. Bernardi. I hoped to learn the drums. Mr. Bernardi tapped out a short cadence with his hands on the wood of the piano top. I repeated it. He tapped another, a little more complex. I followed. This went on for about four or five rounds, each a little higher tempo, more bars, and more complex than the previous. I don't think I was perfect through all of them, but it was good enough that Paul accepted me into the band that year. I was ecstatic! Mr. Bernardi taught me the drums over the next four years. I still have my practice pad, recently picked up some sticks again, and love to watch my son giggle as I tap around on ... well, nearly everything.
I am so thankful for his generosity, patience and positive spirit. He encouraged my love of music.
I am so sorry to learn of his passing. My prayers are with Paul and his family.
Rivera family
October 10, 2012
Rest in peace mr. Bernardi. You were such a great band teacher. You will be missed.
Antonio Magalhaes
October 10, 2012
Thank you for making music fun during the times at the Hawthorne Jazz Band. My condolences to the Bernardi Family.
Steve
October 10, 2012
Mr Bernardi will be missed, very respectful man, hard to believe he's gone, gonna miss the times I saw him god bless
The betancourt family
October 10, 2012
We will never forget you ! You were inspiring to my son in so many ways and truly touched our hearts .
October 10, 2012
Rest in peace Mr. Bernardi......your in our thoughts and prayers.
The Pallagrosi Family
Tuckahoe, NY
gerry argentina
October 10, 2012
Paul will be sorely missed......I can now see a drum corps of angels...
Adrienne Hernandez
October 10, 2012
Paul was a wonderful man, a kind & caring person. I am so saddened to hear of his passing & extend heartfelt sympathy to his family.
The Nealis Family
October 10, 2012
From Yonkers to Tuckahoe, your teaching career is a legacy- from the mouth of your 10 year old student, my daughter, "you are the best band teacher ever and I will miss you a lot. I'm glad you made a lot of people enjoy a lot of different kinds of music. I know you are in a better place. The angels are lucky to have you playing music for them now."
Rest in peace
Dennis Campanaro
October 10, 2012
Paul - thank you for your dedication to the children at PEARLS and throughout the City of Yonkers. You provided a musical experience that can not be exceeded. Your positive attitude, sense of humor and your caring for others will be truly missed. God Bless you!
Jon Lambert
October 10, 2012
I am saddened to learn of Paul's passing. His smile and friendly demeanor were always a memorable part of PEARLS during my tenure there. My condolences to his family and friends.
Marlene Todaro
October 10, 2012
Mr.Bernardi, What an honor to have known you and for Natalie to have been taught and mentored by you! We will never forget you.
The Todaro Family
Kyle O'Keeffe
October 10, 2012
May you rest in peace!! Thank you so much for being a wonderful teacher!!!
Kyle O'Keeffe
October 10, 2012
Thank you Mr.Bernardi sooo much 4 teaching me!!! You were the best band teacher ever!!!! All the love!!!
Todd and Peggy Hommel
October 10, 2012
Mr. Bernardi, your spirit and love for music will continue to shine through all of the people you made better musicians. My family was very saddened to hear of your passing- we will forever remember you and the time and energy you put into opening our children's eyes to music. May you rest in peace.
October 10, 2012
What an honor and a privilege it was to have Paul Bernardi in our lives. He inspired all of us with his passion and love of music. His expectations were high and his students always met them. Wow...each concert outdoing the next...He introduced my son Will to the drums and I will be forever reminded of Paul with Will's constant banging on every surface he can get his hands on!
Mr. Bernardi, you are gone - but will never be forgotten. Rest in Peace.
The Conybeare Family
Rosemary Carson
October 10, 2012
You will be missed, Mr. Bernardi.
The O'Mahony Family
October 10, 2012
My son was so fortunate to have Mr. Bernardi as a band teacher at WEC. His generosity of time and talent are going to be missed tremendously. I know that his light will continue to shine through all of the students that have learned so much from him. God Bless you Mr. Bernardi.
Bancha Srikacha
October 10, 2012
He taught me how to hold drumsticks and tap out beats on a practice pad. On a recent visit to a music store recently, I even recognized my old music book still for sale. Play on, Mr. Bernardi.
Justin Flammia
October 10, 2012
Mr. Bernardi shaped me into the musician I am. He was a great soul and an amazing teacher. He knew how to keep his students engaged, entertained and interested in their instrument. May he and his family have peace and happiness, as they deserve nothing less.
Noel Moschetta
October 10, 2012
Paul Bernardi shared his love of music and his skill for teaching to hundreds of children in the Tuckahoe Schools and we will miss him tremendously. He will be remembered with fondness and appreciation by so many families in our community.
Noel Moschetta
Jim Lombardi & Family
October 10, 2012
Thank you for sharing your love of music with our son and all the kids at Tuckahoe. Your impact on their lives is a beautiful legacy that you have given to us. Thank you.
The Angello Family
October 10, 2012
Mr.Bernardi gave the love for the saxaphone to our son. His concerts at WEC were one of the highlights for me as a parent because of his love and dedication to music. You will be missed.
Kristine Cuneo
October 10, 2012
Mr. Bernardi was a great music teacher. Although I played a woodwind and he mostly conducted the brass section, he was a great influence on all of us. The last time I saw him must have been five years ago or so and he was just as friendly and happy as I remembered him from my early school days. He will truly be missed, my heart goes out to his family.
Walter Barrett
October 10, 2012
I'm sad to hear of Paul's passing. I was always glad to see Paul on gigs that we did, because you knew that there would be trombone playing of the highest caliber. Fun times.
Angie DiCaprio
October 10, 2012
Although I lost touch with Paul, I do remember him and hearing of his achievements through the years. My thoughts and prayers are with all the family. Angie DiCaprio LHS Class of 1966.
Carolyn Margolin
October 10, 2012
Mr. Bernardi was a wonderful teacher who helped bring music into the lives of so many students. He will be missed.
October 10, 2012
I am shocked and saddened to hear about Paul's passing. I have enjoyed reading his posts on facebook and can't believe that someone so vital and so healthy looking is gone. I will pray for Paul, but I know that he has found his peace with God. God bless you Paul.
Sharon Perlman
October 10, 2012
My sincere condolences to his family. I am glad I had the opportunity to spend some time with Paul at our Lincoln HS reunion this past May..May you Rest In Peace.
October 10, 2012
I can't help but smile when I think of Mr. Bernardi and the fun times all of us in band had while at Hawthorne. He was a great teacher and kept us
"young adults" excited about music. Sad to hear you are gone.
Fred Pisculli Hawthorne class of 1989
Jerilynne Fierstein
October 10, 2012
God bless Paul. Thank you for bringing great music into the lives of thousands of children. You taught young & old to celebrate life.
Eric Goldberg
October 10, 2012
I went to college with Paul and remember him fondly. Too many decades passed since we saw each other and that is the pity.
October 10, 2012
Mr. Bernardi was a wonderful teacher. He inspired us with music and taught us many valuable lessons along the way. He will be greatly missed by all his students.
October 10, 2012
What a wonderful man...he filled our school with many beautiful smiles and MUSIC! You will be missed Paul. Prayers are offered to you and your family. K. Derbin/Cottle Art
Linda DiSilvestro Finelli
October 10, 2012
I am so saddened by this news. I knew Paul from K-LHS66. He was always a gentleman. My prayers go out to his family. God Bless you Paul, you will be missed.
Frank Gunn
October 10, 2012
A wonderful man a wonderful family. he will be missed. my heart goes out to all effected buy this loss.rest in peace my friend
October 10, 2012
It was an honor to have him teach my sons at Pearls. All those wonderful concerts! May god bless you all.
Sakura Myers
October 10, 2012
Mr. Bernardi, I can't believe you're gone. You taught me so many things. You always gave me a fun and safe haven to run to - music. I will always be grateful to you for that. Love you always.
Chandra Gaspar - Achberger
October 9, 2012
My deepest sympathies to the Bernardi family. His love of music and profound influence on me and so many students will not be forgotten.
Tom Pintong
October 9, 2012
Mr. Bernardi taught me how to play trombone starting in the 4th grade at the Enrichment Center, which I've played ever since throughout high school, college and in some of my teaching jobs. I wish I had gotten a chance to say thank you to him.
Cherilyn Mejias
October 9, 2012
I was one of his students when he taught at Hawthorne school in Yonkers, NY. With a heavy heart I write this so that everyone knows that even after 20 years of not seeing him, how much of an impact he made in my life. My sincerest condolences to his family. He will be greatly missed
Carol Filecco
October 9, 2012
My deepest sympathy to Paul's family. He took his time to write in my Lincoln 66 year book more then just the "good luck" thing. I remember him as a gentleman.. always respectful.. as a musician... always enjoying playing his trombone.. He touched many people with his kindness and always willing to help. He will be sorely missed by many..
jorge Bolanos
October 9, 2012
What a shame..what a good man..i wasnt even in the band and he still impacted my life, god bless you mr.B
Patricia Piacente-Morvillo
October 9, 2012
Heaven will be lively now once you arrive with your trombone. I am proud to have known you during our high school days and beyond. You are a very talented person and will be truly missed by all those who were privileged enough to know you and call you "a friend." May you rest in peace.
Paula "Goldy" Torelli-Cash
October 9, 2012
I had not seen Paul in many a year and feel so blessed to have shared some time with him at Lincoln 46th Class Reunion. My sincere condolences to all his family at such a sad time. May God Bless His Soul. Rest In Peace Paul. You are loved and will be missed by so many.
Slade Stephenson
October 9, 2012
He taught me trombone in the Enrichment Center Band. He will be missed.
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