Bernard J. Lofton

Bernard J. Lofton, 65 of Bridgeport passed away suddenly in his home on January 25, 2024. Bernard Jerome Lofton or "Bernie" as known to many, was born on July 22, 1958 to Mr. Herbert "Herbie" and Ellen Lofton in Bridgeport Connecticut. He grew up in the west end where he built many lifelong friendships. He was educated in the Bridgeport Public School system and was a standout Athlete in several sports. He then graduated from Bassick High School in 1977 and attended the University of Connecticut. In April 1980, Bernard married his high school sweetheart, Anglina Ricks and from that union two children were born. Bernard then decided to join the US Marine Corps and served for 4years before being honorably discharged. After his military career, he was employed at Sikorsky Aircraft and the Bridgeport Juvenile Detention Center before joining the Bridgeport school system.
Bernard spent his life in service to the youth of the City of Bridgeport. In the early 1980's, Bernard worked as a school security guard and as assistant coach for Bassick Boys Basketball Team. He was worked under Coach Harrison Taylor before ultimately becoming the Head Coach in 2013. He also coached Boys Cross Country and Girls Outdoor Track. Bernard leaves a rich legacy of teamwork, hard work and unbreakable bonds with players that he has coached throughout the years. He would always proclaim that he bled Bassick green.
Bernard did not turn his back on any youth in the community. Because of his love of sport and his commitment to the youth of the city, he caught the eye of Walter Luckett. Bernard was able to work in conjunction with the Walter E. Luckett Jr. Foundation to establish several programs, including the Saturday Enrichment Program, Books to Basketball and the ECHO Summer Academy. This academy focused on more than basketball. The academy engrained in the youth that they can be anything by focusing on academics, personal health, personal growth, and character building. Bernard's programs were based in the West End, but he took great pride in the fact that children from all over the city of Bridgeport came to his programs and camps. For many of these young men and women, Bernard was not just a coach, he was that father figure, that friend, that someone who cared about their future.
In 2019, Bernie retired from the Bridgeport Board of Education as a security guard but continued to indulge in his loves – coaching, being a father, a grandfather, and a friend to everyone he encountered. In his downtime he enjoyed cheering on the Lakers, Giants, Yankees, playing cards, and taking naps anywhere he could find a spot.
Bernard was preceded in death by mother Ellen Lofton, his father Herbert Lofton, and his daughter Tynisha Gathers. He is survived by his son Marques Lofton(Janie) of Milford, CT and daughters Lakisha Wilson of Bridgeport, CT, Marlisha Lofton of Los Angeles, CA, and Izena Gathers of Bridgeport Ct; two sisters: Beverly Cox of Bridgeport, CT, Kimberly Lofton Brown (Kelvin) of Bowie, MD; three brothers Ivan Troy (Michele) of Riegelwood, NC, Carlos Thompson(April) of Antioch, CA, Marlon Moore of Greensboro, NC; an aunt Essie Willis of Woodlawn, MD, grandchildren Quadir Gathers, Angela Lofton, Marques Lofton, Nylah Tucker, Dominick Lofton, and Desmond Lofton; a host of nieces, nephew and other close relatives.