Scott Richard Bard

Scott Richard Bard, Jr., 41, of Audubon, NJ, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on January 1, 2026, following a courageous and relentless five-month battle after receiving a heart transplant in July. Scott's need for a transplant was the result of long-term damage from chemotherapy and radiation treatments he endured as a teenager while bravely fighting cancer. Though he was granted a second chance at life through organ donation, the complications proved too great to overcome this time. He passed at the Penn Clifton Center for Medical Breakthroughs in Philadelphia, PA.
Throughout his lengthy hospitalization, despite constant setbacks, Scott's strength and determination to recover were always evident. He faced each challenge with quiet resilience and grace, rarely complaining and never losing sight of the hope that carried him forward. His courage during this time left a lasting impression on everyone who cared for him.
Scott was a truly good man. He had a quiet way of being there for others, offering help without needing attention or praise. His dry, sarcastic wit came naturally and was often shared through a soft smile or a perfectly timed comment that made people laugh without even realizing it at first.
He carried an unmistakable gentleness about him-one that animals seemed to sense immediately. They gravitated toward him just as people did, and nowhere was that bond more evident than during the time he spent walking his beloved dog, Cricket. Those walks brought him comfort, routine, and quiet joy. Scott approached life the same way he offered reassurance to others, often saying the phrase, "Don't worry about it," a reflection of his calm spirit, quiet strength, and his way of making the world feel a little lighter for those around him.
Scott is survived by his loving parents, Scott Sr. and Karen M. Bard; his sister, Karianne Clark (Edward); his brother and best friend, Christian Bard; his aunts, Karen D. Bard and Meg Gimmi (Lon); his uncles, Edward Gimmi (Julie) and Kip Bard; his niece and nephew, Johnny and Ava Clark; and his cousins, Alex, Sarah, and Jonah Gimmi. He was predeceased by his grandparents, Ed and Marie Gimmi, and Richard and Marilyn Bard.
Scott graduated from Audubon High School and Rider University, where he earned a degree in History.
Services will be held privately at Schetter Funeral Home in Cherry Hill, NJ.
In lieu of flowers, the family invites those who wish to honor Scott's memory to consider making a donation to cancer research or to reflect on becoming an organ donor-an extraordinary gift that gave Scott a second chance at life.
Scott will be remembered for his quiet strength, his humor, his kindness, and the lasting impact he made on those who were fortunate enough to know and love him.
"There is no love like the love for a brother, and no sorrow like the loss of one." – Karianne and Christian
"I will endure a lifetime of missing you for the privilege of loving you". – Mom and Dad