Richard Chester Bernat

Richard Bernat died peacefully at home with loved ones by his side on March 28, 2025,

in Wickenburg, Arizona at the age of 79. Rich is survived by his life partner Debbie,

Sister, Judy (Steve) Samaras Lake Barrington, Illinois, Debbie's children: John (Linda)

Zerby of Charlevoix, Michigan, Stacy (Adrian) of Surprise, Arizona, grandchildren

Teagan, Stephanie, Maddison, Caden, Stella, and Everett and Great Grandchildren

Miaya and Aria. He is preceded in death by his parents, Chester and Stella Bernat.

Rich was born on September 18, 1945, in Chicago, Illinois. Rich was a member of the

Catholic Church serving as an altar boy. He graduated from Morton High School in

1963 in Berwyn, Illinois. He purchased his first car on his own, and although it came

with bullet holes in the body, he was not deterred in the least! After high school, he

began work as a mechanic, then enlisted in the Marines a year later. He served in

Vietnam for 15 months where he received 3 meritorious promotions and ending up

being a driver and bodyguard for a 2-star General. He moved to Wickenburg, Arizona

in 1980 from Chicago, after purchasing and remodeling the local bowling alley. He is

remembered for always working on a project, fixing a car, or creating his own original

metal artwork. A memorial service is scheduled for Thursday May 8th at 10:30am at

Wickenburg Funeral Home, with a reception to follow at noon at the Bar 7 patio. All are

welcome to attend and celebrate Rich's life. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to

Hospice of The Valley. The family would like to thank Hospice of the Valley for their care

and support.