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Nicholas Bernardi Obituary
SOUTH BEND - Nicholas Thomas Bernardi, II, 21, of South Bend, died unexpectedly Tuesday, May 6, 2008, in Mishawaka as a result of a traffic accident. Nicholas was an avid fan of Notre Dame, the Pittsburgh Steelers and NASCAR. He worked for Premier Bandag and Forest River and was a former student at Clay High School in South Bend. Survivors include his mother, Deanna K. (Bernardi) Shatley of Maryland, James (Barb) Patterson of South Bend, Allen Stark of South Bend and fiancée Dawn Price of South Bend. Also surviving are grandparents, Nick and Irene Bernardi of Maryland, and James and Irene Patterson of South Bend. He was preceded in death by one grandmother, Glenice Patterson. Also surviving are three sisters, Sabrina Hudson, Monique Stark and Jasmine Garrison; and three brothers, James Patterson III, Zachary Patterson, and Michael Hudson. Funeral services for Nicholas will be at 2:00 p.m. today in Palmer Funeral Homes, 2528 Mishawaka Ave, South Bend where friends may visit from noon until time of services. Rev. Mike Rayburn will officiate. Cremation will follow at Southlawn Cremation Services. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 6415 Castleway W. Drive, Suite 114, Indianapolis, IN 46250.
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Memories and Condolences
for Nicholas Bernardi
Heather Mumpower
June 25, 2011
Through the years i knew you, you always lit up the room. You were just yourself, and never worried about what people thought of you. You were so funny and could make everyone laugh. Such a precious life taken away so early. Some things happen and we never know why. Your an angel now, so watch over us with that beautiful smile of yours. R.I.P <3
Allen Price
July 19, 2008
To my son Nick , where do I begin I don"t know what too say that would help replace the time we lost .It was my fault me,mike and bree didn't get to have more time with you . I can only say I'm sorry I know it doesn't help but I really am . Evey april 1st I would say happy birthday even though you weren't there. When we got back in touch I thought u wouldn't leave us again well you did. I wish I could have traded places with you at that time . Your life was looking so good ahead. I really miss you alot and again I'm so sorry for every time I wasn't there.I'LL never say goodbye . but till we meet again I love you so much .with your passing it make me know every day is special . I'm glad we had that long talk maybe we made are peace .I'll aways remember you and smile .If I want to see You I just look in the mirror and smile , then I cry. I have so much to say but its too late . All I can say is I LOVE U N I'll NEVER FORGET YOU, YOUR DAD ALLEN PRICE
'
Michael Hudson
July 17, 2008
Nicholas,
Where do I begin? I still can’t believe that you’re gone… It seems like only yesterday that I found out I had my brother again. With only old pictures and faint memories, it was hard to remember you. As kids we didn’t realize time was passing without each other, day-by-day, year-by-year. Unfortunately we missed out on a lot of childhood memories together and it’s disappointing. I’m not mad just saddened that we didn’t get to spend more time together. After many years we finally got to re-meet again and it wasn’t easy. We had both grown up so fast and we didn’t really know each other. Time would only tell what we soon realized; that we were a lot alike and had many similar qualities. We both love Notre Dame! We both love to smile and laugh! We are both thrill-seekers and probably like our father, our good looks often get us in trouble.
I only wish that I could spend another day with you! Talking and laughing, having a good time. I don’t know why your life was cut short and I might not ever understand why you were taking from us, but I have to deal with it because that is how life is and this world will go on with or without us. I will always remember your smiling face and playful attitude. I’m disappointed that our first nephew Xavier will be too young to remember you; I’m disappointed that you were taken before you got to meet our soon to be new niece or nephew. I’m sad that when I have kids they will never get to meet their Uncle Nick. They will only have pictures and stories to learn who you were. But it will never justify the kind of loving, caring, and happy person that you were. Even with all of the adversity that you dealt with in your life, you always were an optimist and tried to see the good in things.
I promise you that I will take care of our family down here if you can help me from up there. I will look over them here as I know you will and make sure that they are safe. At your funeral I heard multiple times that it was up to me to look over our sisters and to take care of them, so I know I have a lot of weight on my shoulders. But I know as long as I have you on my shoulder, that I have a special Angel watching and helping me at all times. And although I lost you, my true brother, I feel that I have gained two more in Jamie and Zach. I will look after them as well, because I know you were a good brother to them and only wanted the best for them. I will look after our whole family as I know you would have.
I think I speak for everyone when I say, “I wasn’t ready to say goodbye…” but I have to. I want you to know that I wear a yellow LIVESTRONG bracelet in your honor not only because it was the color of your bike, but to remind me that when things get tough, I have to be STRONG because I am still LIVING. In your tragedy I try to find motivation to keep going and never quit. They say it’s better to have loved and lost, then never to have loved at all. I know that as long as I keep you on my wrist and on my shoulder close to my heart, I know that I’ll be taken care of. I won’t say goodbye, only so long for now… I LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU DEARLY!! AND I KNOW SOMEDAY WE WILL MEET AGAIN BECAUSE DEATH CAN’T KEEP US APART… LOVE YOU BRO!!
Clara Bernardi
June 7, 2008
You will be in our hearts forever and missed dearly. Love Aunt Clara
James Patterson III
June 7, 2008
Big Bro,
Its hard to believe that your no longer here. You were the best big brother anyone could ever have. You protected me from anything that could have hurt me and you made sure that I was always okay.
Im finally becoming the man that you always pushed me to be. A lot of the success that I have had so far in life is because i had a big brother like you. I know from here on out you will be looking down and smiling upon me.
Now that you are no longer here, I know that I have gained more responsibilities in life. I want to prepare our baby brother for life the same way that you prepared me. I want to be there for him and protect him the way you did for me. I want to show him how to be a man and how to handle anything that is thrown his way. And i know now that I have to take care of our mother. She has been through so much and she deserves better for all that she does for us. I will make sure that she is always happy as possible, because I know if were still here that thats what you would do.
Nic I have no idea why your life was cut so short. But, I do know that people of your type are uncommon in the world today. How you faced so many difficult times during your life, and you still always had a smile on your face and you always managed to keep everyone around smiling. You always put other peoples needs before yours. You were a very special person and a key part of who I am today. I wish so badly that you were still here. I just want to play football and basketball in the backyard like we did when we were kids. We had so many good times and we were supposed to have many more. But things happen and you just have to deal with it. Thats what you taught me.
I miss you dearly big bro. I know that your safe now and no one will ever harm you ever again.
I love you Big Bro... You will always be remembered and missed.
Your Bother,
Jamie Patterson III
JAMES PATTERSON II
June 7, 2008
To my son, where do i begin. We have done everything together.I not only lost a son, i lost my best friend.I love you more than anything.I know your still with me everyday. GOD BLESS YOU AND WE LOVE AND MISS YOU VERY MUCH.
Barbara Patterson
June 7, 2008
TO my dearest step-son NIC
I will love you forever and always. You will remain in my heart and thoughts for eternity. I cherish the great times we had over the last 10 years. I remember when your Dad and me and you went to Kings Island and remember all of us got so sunburned none of us could sleep. I also remember when You, Jamie, your dad and i all went to Kings Island and your dad did that stupid Tiki man in the pool. I will miss all the great times we had. I'm thankful that i got to be a part of your life as well as mine. As you know I have no children of my own so you and your brothers are the closest i have to children. GOD BLESS YOU!!!! I LOVE AND MISS YOU DEARLY. Love, Step-Mommy. Barb Patterson
zachary patterson
June 7, 2008
Hey whats up bud you know i've always love you and still do. Im proud of you. You were a great brother and you always treated me good and im happy that we got to spend the time together that we did. You done a lot that a lot of people couldn't do. Im proud to have you as a brother and I wouln't change it for the world. I love you and miss you a lot
SAMUEL PRICE
June 7, 2008
NIC YOU WERE THE BEST BROTHER IN LAW I EVER HAD YOU HAD MY BACK ANY TIME I NEEDED YOU THERE IS SO MUCH I WILL MISS NOW BECAUSE YOU WERE TAKEN AWAY FROM US IF YOU WERE HERE TODAY I WOULD TELL YOU HOW MUCH I LOVE YOU I WILL MISS YOU MY BROTHER UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN
DAWN PRICE ( FIANCE' )
June 7, 2008
Nic, My One And Only And The Love Of My Life. I'll never understand why I lost you we had so much planned for our future I read your wedding vows that you wrote me and cried because I know i'll never hear you say them to me, but I know you are in a better place now with God and I know you are watching over all of us and i can feel you every where and I know you are helping me heal. I will never forget you and there is nobody that could ever take your place or show me the kind of love that you did, just remember when i told you that I will Love you forever I ment it and that will never change. By the way your dad gave me the gift that you bought me and i cried all day but I will cherish it forever!! I still miss your arms around me and your smile and your laughter but i will never forget ever!!
Nicholas bernardi
June 5, 2008
MomMom is typing this for me because if I were typing it , it would look like this jpwjeppmfpm See? I just want to say that I don't express myself like people want me to do. But I love you and was very proud of you. Your mother made me proud that she named you after me and every time I saw you or talked to you, it made my heart swell up.
Just because I don't do what others expect of me when it comes to expressing myself, doesn't mean I don't feel the things they feel. You know that, don't you Nick. You were always my boy and you will always be my boy.
I was always proud of you and we always believed in you
Love, Poppop
Irene Bernardi
June 5, 2008
When you left us you left a void in our hearts and souls. Nothing and no one will ever be able to fill this void. But another thing you left us was a lot of great and wonderful memories that we can share with everyone.
I remember when Pop Pop taught you the Italian hi-sign, you thought you were supposed to do that every time you said to hi to anyone. Boy, did you embarass Mom Mom many times.
We also remember your goodness and how you wanted to put everyone at ease. Your smile was infectious, and on a gray day, you made it seem like the sun was shining with your laughter and humor.'
You were always a good boy and you grew to be a very good young man. We have always been proud of you and always believed in you.
I don't know the reason but God must have had His reasons for calling you "home" so early. It is hard living without you in this world. This world has truly lost a great person.
Your grandfather and I love you very much and we will always love you. We think and talk about you every day. You still bring some laughter into our lives when we remember you when you were little and growing up.
With Eternal Love ,
MomMom and PopPop Bernardi
Amanda
June 5, 2008
Nic-
I think about you daily and it still hurts to know you are gone forever... Until we see each other again friend... Watch over us!
Lillian bernardi
June 5, 2008
My precious grandson, I have a hole in my heart where you used to live that can never be filled by anyone or anything. There will never be another like you my grandson. You made a gray day bright with sunshine with your smile and laughter. Your caring ways about others always amazed me. But that was what made you Nic. We have always been proud of you and always believed in you. You have always been a good person both inside and out.
We will always remember the time PopPop showed you the Italian hi-sign and you believed it was the way to say hi to people. Everywhere I took you, and I told you to say hi, you gave them the Italian hi sign.
There are so many memories we have that just overflows the imagination and every memory is a cherished one.
You will never really leave us for you live in our hearts. Our love for you will never stop.
Your Grandparents
MomMom and PopPop Bernardi
Deanna Bernardi-Shatley
June 5, 2008
my first born baby boy, i am missing you terribly. a peice of my heart has been ripped away. i will never understand why you were taken away from us. but i have to go on for your brothers, and i will do my best. i know you are with God now and you are watching over all you loved. you always worried more about what we were going through and not to worry us even though you were in pain. you touched everyones life you ever came into contact with. you were a special baby who grew into a very fine young man.you will never be forgotten. my heart aches everyday for you but i get through itby thinking that you are with God and he is having the time of His life laughing and smiling at you! I love you my 1st baby boy! Mom
June 5, 2008
my first born baby boy, i am missing you terribly. a peice of my heart has been ripped away. i will never understand why you were taken away from us. but i have to go on for your brothers, and i will do my best. i know you are with
Aunt Shell
June 3, 2008
My dear nephew, you came into my life so little and so sweet and words or time can never explain just how much you meant to me. Life has a funny way of playing out, I'm so sad cause I seen you just a few days before your accident. You came to get me to ride and I passed up the time to be with you not knowing it would be the last.It's gonna haunt me forever, all I can do is remember your smile and laugh as you walked out and said "I'll be back this weekend Aunt Shell". I'm sorry for everything you had to go through in this mean cruel world but you were strong and always held your head up, and that's why I'm so proud to have had you in my life. You'll always be on my mind, and in my heart. You're in the best place ever and we'll see each other again.
My nephew, I love you and I miss you so much. Aunt shell xoxoxo
Sabrina Hudson
May 19, 2008
Nic, there's always something more we wish we would have said or done, but we never expect to lose one of our loved ones...i love and miss u very much! I'll never understand why u had to leave us so early but i know u will do your best to watch over us. with all my love your big sister
Allen Stark (Dad)
May 17, 2008
IF I KNEW
If I knew it would be the last time
That I'd see you fall asleep,
I would tuck you in more tightly
and pray the Lord, your soul to keep.
If I knew it would be the last time
that I see you walk out the door,
I would give you a hug and kiss
and call you back for one more.
If I knew it would be the last time
I'd hear your voice lifted up in praise,
I would video tape each action and word,
so I could play them back day after day.
If I knew it would be the last time
I could spare an extra minute
to stop and say "I love you,"
instead of assuming you'd Know I do.
If I knew it would be the last time
I would be there to share your day,
Well I'm sure you'll have so many more,
so I can let this one slip away.
For surely there's always tomorrow to make up for an oversight,
and we always get a second chance to make everything just right.
There will always be another day to say " I love you,"
And certainly there's another chance to say our " Anything I can do?.
But just in case I might be wrong,
and today is all I get,
I'd like to say how much I love you
and I hope we never forget.
Tomorrow is not promised to
anyone young or old alike,
And today may be the last chance you get to hold
your loved one tight.
So if you're waiting for tomorrow
why not do it today?
For if tomorrow never comes,
you"ll surely regret the day,
That you didn't take the time
for a smile, a hug, or a kiss
and you were too busy
to grant someone, what turned
out to be their one last wish.
So hold your loved ones close
today, and whisper in their ear,
Tell them how much you love them and that you"ll always hold them dear
Take time to say "I'm sorry,"
"Please forgive me," "Thank you," "It's okay."
And if tomorrow never comes,
you"ll have no regrets about today.
Pete Wharton
May 16, 2008
Nick,
U were a special and funny as hell, U always made me laugh and u always had a smile on ur face. I'm gonna miss u on those rides we always use to take. We had alot of fun ridding our bikes its just not the same ridding without u. U better watch over me just like u told me u would. Rest in peace my friend, we'll see each other again.
Virginia Solis - Monique Stark
May 16, 2008
Nick,
You were a special one! I had the honor/pleasure of knowing you for only a brief period of time but during that time I got to know what a sweet man you were. You always had a beautiful smile on your face & that's how Monique & I will remember you! Your nephew, Xavier, will know of you because Monique & I have agreed to tell him all about his Uncle Nick who couldn't wait to "take him to the mall & pick up chicks!" Then, each time Xavier takes a trip to the mall he will think of his Uncle Nick watching over him. We love you forever.
Denise And Allen
May 15, 2008
We will be ordering this book after a couple more entries.
If anyone would like to put in their last words or upload pictures, please feel free to do so.
Or contact one of us and talk to us about it.
Whitney Bradley
May 15, 2008
Nick,
It's going to be very tough keeping a smile on my face without you there willingly giving me one. You were so rambunctious and was just always there to brighten everyones day. You could've done this world so much more, even though what you have given us, couldn't be any better. But that's what keeps me level everyday. Knowing that you lived each day to the fullest and you still would be 'till this day, and I should be too.
I love you and MISS you VERY Much Nick!!!
My Prayers of course are out for our family and yours.
Miss ya bro.
Keep a good look out on us!!
Todd Shingledecker
May 12, 2008
Nick,
I had only recently met you. It was a few Sundays ago at taco bell, we rode together for only a few moments that day. I'm so sorry to hear about your unfortunate accident, I only hope that you did not suffer. All the other guys that ride have wishes for the ones that you left behind to be ok and begin the healing process. We would love to take part in any fund raiser or in helping the families out in any way that we can. May your accident not make anyone else afraid to ride and be free, but only to be more aware and careful of our surroundings, since this has happened to you all of us have been wearing our helmets and ridding much more defensively. It may have been to late to save you but I know of at least 15 people that are more careful now, And I'm sorry that you had to loose your life for all of us to realize and be reminded of the dangers...Todd Shingledecker 255 3714
Cuz Meliss
May 11, 2008
Nick,I sure will miss ur smiling face, ur jokes u always made me smile. Even if i was down,you sure did have a way with people,if u did not know anybody, in that five minutes that they met, U still touched there hearts .I put u some flowers out today, and i still could not believe u where gone, i remembered the last joke u told me.I laughed for a minute,And i realized u where gone, I love u so much little cuz,now be a good boy up there,And i will see u when we meet again. ur Cuz Melissa
Denise Bradley
May 11, 2008
Nick,we are very Thankful for the time we had with you and we will always remember that smiling face. We will miss you always, Love Dad,Denise and whitney.
Ashley Hartman
May 11, 2008
to the family: Im sorry for your lost i didnt know nick but i knew of him. i always seen him at clay, this is very sad, may God watch over you guys.
Tim VanBruaene
May 10, 2008
Mike, I'm truly sorry to hear of the loss of your brother.My thoughts and prayers go out to you and the rest of the family. May him rest in peace.
Amanda
May 10, 2008
Doug and I and Alex will miss you greatly Nick. We love you! Watch over us!
Ashley O'Konski
May 9, 2008
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family members
Amanda Call
May 9, 2008
Nick- Your family and friends are in my thoughts and prayers... This is hard but I know you are in a better place... You will never be forgotten and will always be in my heart! I'll never forget all of our late night talks or talking about the races! I'll always miss you!
Judith Williams
May 9, 2008
To Dawn & To the Family of Nick. We wish you love and healing. We will remember Nick with a smile.
Sincerely
Judith & Ellie
Kerri Dvais
May 9, 2008
Sabrina,
To you and your family try to stay together and stay strong for one another.
Alicia
May 9, 2008
To the friends and family of Nick, my thoughts and prayers are with you in this terrible tragedy.
Elaine Beeching
May 9, 2008
Nick was in my first grade class at Eggleston. I always teased him that I paid a lot of money to have hair as nice as his! He always tried to do his best even when it wasn't easy. Some students remain in our memories long after they have left our school. Nick has been one of those for me.
Molly Carpenter
May 9, 2008
RIP Nick... You were a great friend to my brother, and like another son in my family. Thank you for being there for my family. I am truly sorry you got taken away from all of us so soon, but you are in a better place now.
To Nick's family-I am truly sorry for your loss. Nick was a wonderful man and a great, loyal friend to my brother. I have nothing but good memories of him. My prayers are with you.
Robert Anderson
May 9, 2008
Nick, I will miss you.
No words can express the loss of Nick to all of us. We all know Nick as our life paths cross in time.
My memories of Nick are him as a small boy. He was so full of life you couldn’t be mad or sad around him. That life energy transferred to everyone around him. What a great feeling that was and great times those were for me.
I give my condolences to Nick’s Family and Friends. Know you’re not alone in this time of grief.
Robert Anderson
TRACEY NORTH
May 9, 2008
I am so sorry to hear of your loss my thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Brad Gast
May 9, 2008
Sorry for the loss of your nephew Michelle. Like I have said, he is in a better place than we are.
Washington High School
May 9, 2008
The administration, staff, and students of Washington High School send their condolences to you and your family at this difficult time.
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