Bernard J. "Bernie" Carrozza

Bernard J. Carrozza, Ed. D., of Malvern, PA, passed away on August 28, 2024 at the age of 80 surrounded by his loving family. 

Born in Philadelphia, PA in 1944, he was the son of the late Benner and Christine (née Stanzione) Carrozza.

Dr. Bernard Carrozza received his B.S. from West Chester State College in 1966 with his M.S. in Counseling Psychology and his Ed.D. in Educational Psychology from Temple University in 1971 and 1984 respectively. During his 45 year career as an educator, he served as a teacher, counselor and a high school administrator. In 1984, he became the Upper Darby School District Assistant Superintendent for Personnel and Public information and was promoted to Superintendent of Schools 14 years later. Retiring from public education in 2001, he served Delaware County Community College for 10 years. In 1981, he was appointed by the Governor of Pennsylvania as a Trustee of West Chester State College (West Chester University), a position he held for 31 years. From 1988 to 2002, he served as Adjunct Professor at Widener University, teaching in the Doctoral Program which he helped to create. He has received numerous awards for outstanding programs and publications at the local, state and national levels, including being the recipient of the WCU Educator 500 Award in 2004 and 2006. During his years as a Trustee, he held an office 30 of his 31 years, chaired two presidential search committees and delivered commencement addresses to the WCU Undergraduate Class of 1991 and WCU Graduate School Commencement Class of 2011. In 1991, he was recognized with the WCU Distinguished Alumni Award and in 2012 he received the title of Trustee Emeritus from the WCU Council of Trustees. Bernie was awarded the 2012 President’s Medallion for Service. He served on the West Chester University Alumni Association Board and served as Chair of the Board of Directors of Student Services Incorporated. September of 2022 Bernie was honored to have a dining hall named after him in the Sciences and Engineering and the Commons Building.

Bernie was a parishioner at SS Simon & Jude Church, West Chester, PA and a member of the Knights of Columbus where he actively participated in fundraising. He enjoyed traveling with his wife June and their many friends and family. Holidays were especially meaningful gathering around the table making memories.

A man of many talents, Bernie was the ultimate handyman and was always willing to lend a skilled hand to family and friends- whether a quick fix or a major project. Every one of his children has a deck, finished basement, kitchen remodel, tiled floor, painted rooms, fence or landscaping by Dad.

Bernie's most cherished memories are at the Jersey Shore on the Ocean City beach or boardwalk with his family. To his six grandchildren, Pop Pop enjoyed many traditions: making a large extravagant breakfast, digging the biggest hole on the beach surrounded by sand sculptures, grilling on the deck on Simpson Ave, treating everyone to ice cream at George’s, then Wonderland for the rides! Every grandbaby has a photo of their first ride on the carousel with their Pop Pop. 

Bernie was the beloved husband of June (née Waxman) Carrozza, with whom he shared 55 years of marriage; loving father of Jayme Robertson (Mike), Bernie Carrozza, Jr. (Kristen), and Jill McCracken (Tim); caring Pop Pop of Tyler, Trevor, Norah, Iylah, Trey, and Hannah; dear brother of Gary Carrozza (Debbie).

Relatives and friends are invited to Bernard's Visitation 6:00-8:00 PM Friday, September 6, 2024 at The Donohue Funeral Home, 1627 West Chester Pike, West Chester, PA 19382, 610-431-9000, and 10:00-11:00 AM Saturday at SS Simon & Jude Church, 8 Cavanaugh Court, West Chester, PA 19382, followed by his Funeral Mass at 11:00 AM. Interment SS Peter & Paul Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to The West Chester University Foundation, wcufoundation.org. When filling out the information, in the box where it says "this gift is in response to" please type "in memory of Bernie Carrozza."