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Dustin Bernatovich Obituary
LEAGUE CITY, Texas — In the early morning hours of Jan. 28, 2019, League City Police Officer Dustin Bernatovich passed away at a local hospital after checking into the emergency room to seek treatment for a pre-existing condition.
Dustin was born in Kingston on May 21, 1981, to Michael and Suzanne Bernatovich. Dustin was always involved in sports growing up and loved wrestling. While wrestling for his high school team, Dustin chose to shed 15 pounds so he could drop down to the 275 weight class. This change in lifestyle was the beginning of Dustin's lifelong commitment to a healthy lifestyle. While attending Wilkes University, Dustin was a standout defensive tackle for the Colonels.
Prior to becoming a League City Police Officer, Dustin served as a rescue swimmer in the Coast Guard from 2003 to 2013. Dustin's first assignment with the Coast Guard was Airstation Miami. On a trip to Florida to visit Dustin, his father was waiting in the airport when he glanced up at a television monitor to see live footage of Dustin rescuing a Haitian woman in distress. Dustin was also one of the first rescue swimmers at the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Dustin would go on to serve the Coast Guard at Airstation New Orleans and Airstation Atlantic City, earning 16 awards to include the prestigious Coast Guard Meritorious Service Medal.
Dustin joined the League City Police Department in July 2016 and quickly proved his mettle, earning him a place on the SWAT entry team. In 2018, he received the Chiefs Coin of Excellence for his response to the Santa Fe High School active shooter scene.
Dustin loved to be around friends and family, especially when there was craft beer and good food to be sampled. Dustin and his father loved to experience the art of craft brew together by visiting breweries and even attending the Atlantic City Beer Festival.
Every officer who worked with Dustin will tell you he was an excellent police officer and a shining example of a law enforcement professional.
Dustin is survived by his father, Michael; his mother, Suzanne; his brother, Michael; sister-in-law Allison; his three nieces; his grandparents, Robert and Rosemarie Bernatovich; and several aunts and uncles.
Visitation was Thursday, Jan. 31, 2019, in the chapel of Crowder Funeral Home, 1645 E. Main St., League City, TX 77573. Funeral service will begin at 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 1, 2019, in Bay Area Church, 4800 W. Main St., League City, TX 77573.
Dustin's family is asking that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the League City Police Officers' Association (555 W. Walker St. c/o LCPOA, League City, TX 77573) or the Austin Boxer Rescue (P.O. Box 14421, Austin, TX 78761).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Dustin Bernatovich
mark makos
February 4, 2019
Mike Suzanne and family, so very sorry to hear about Dustin. We remember him and Mark out playing at grandma Anna Pall. Your in our thoughts and prayers.
Mark and Martha Makos
February 4, 2019
I am so sorry for your loss. May the precious memories you have help you cope and bring you peace. 1 Thess. 4:14 can bring you some comfort knowing that there is a future for the loved ones we have lost in death. May the God of peace be with you and your family. JW
The Cundiff Family
February 2, 2019
Thoughts and Prayers for Dustin's family and friends. He touched so many lives.
W. James Pall
February 2, 2019
Our condolences, sympathy, and prayers to you in this time of grief and loss. We did not know Dustin and have lost touch with you but do not forget our bond of blood and family as well as our professional connection. Please know that you are well remembered and thought of compassionately in this difficult time. Jimmy (Suzanne's cousin and past member of the Step by Step family) and Susan Pall
OS2 Morrow
February 1, 2019
Sleep easy Brother.
V L
February 1, 2019
Sincere condolences goes out to the Bernatovich family for your sad loss. May GOD be with the family as you mourn the loss of Dustin.
Sylvia Nash
February 1, 2019
Mike & Susanne, I'm so sorry for your loss.Dustin was a great young man. My condolences to you, your family, his Coast Guard family and his Police family. We lost an exceptional young man. Rest Easy Dustin, your buddies have it from here.
Sharon Kaminski
January 31, 2019
Mike and Suzanne...
My deepest condolences on the loss of your son. May your beautiful memories of Dustin, and the love of your family surround you, and give you strength and peace in the days ahead.
Dodi Layaou and Leslie Saksa
January 31, 2019
Praying for the peace and comfort of our Lord Jesus Christ to rest upon you. May the loving memories of Dustin and the love of family surround you and give you strength. Friends and former UGI co-workers of Bob Sr. John 3:15 That whosoever believe in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.
Janet & Dom Romero
January 31, 2019
Thoughts and prayers for Dustin's family, friends and co-workers for the unimaginable loss of such an exceptional man.
John Nash
January 31, 2019
Prayers to the family. Dustin was a great guy and good friend Rest Easy.
Shannon Donahue-Mahiai
January 31, 2019
To a wonderful person who always made people laugh. You will be missed by many. Thoughts and prayers to the Bernatovich family during this difficult time.
Maura Storosko-Johnson
January 31, 2019
My thoughts and prayers are with the Bernatovich family and all his friends who loved him dearly - including myself. Dustin had a heart of gold. Having just experiencing a tremendous loss, I can tell you the comfort and kindness of friends and family have helped beyond measure. Hug your loved ones tight and lean on them, for our shared memories of him are all we have to treasure now. With love...
THERESA YANKOSKI WYZINSKI
January 31, 2019
MY DEEPEST SYMP;ATHY TO THE BERNATOVICH FAMILY. MOST OF THE PEOPLE IN NEPA AREA SEEM TO BE RELATED TO MY FATHERS MOTHER, JOSEPHINE KIZIELEWICZ. HER GREAT GRANDMOTHER WAS ANTONINA BERNATOWICZ KIZIELEWICZ. DUSTIN RESEMBLES MY GRANDMOTHERS FAMILY. OUR FAMILY ARE COUSINS TO POPE JOHN PAUL II. AGAIN TO DUSTIN'S FAMILY, I AM SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. I WILL LIGHT A CANDLE FOR DUSTIN IN CHURCH STILL IF HE IS OR ISN'T MY RELATIVE. HE SOUNDED LIKE A WONDERFUL PERSON.
January 31, 2019
My condolences go out to the Bernatovich family. I will always hold onto the many memories shared!
rebecca benson
January 31, 2019
I am so sorry for your loss.
Cherie Stone
January 31, 2019
My thoughts and prayers are with the Bernatovich family through this difficult time. Rest in peace Dustin.
Debi Cappellini
January 31, 2019
So sorry for your loss may he rest in peace..
Jenn Mieczkowski
January 31, 2019
My thoughts and prayers are with the Bernatovich family, and his extended Police and Coast Guard families! Dustin, you will be missed by anyone who had the chance to meet you and call you a friend! Fly High Buddy!
Wright Family
January 31, 2019
To my condolences to Dustin's family I knew him n mike from west nanticoke Pennsylvania went to school with both of them I'm SADDENED by the news of your Dustin rest in peace my friend and brother u r at rest now rip big D.
Allyson May-Krysiewski
January 31, 2019
My deepest condolences to the Bernatovich family. Fly high, D. You'll truly be miss be all.
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Crowder Funeral Home - League City1645 East Main Street, League City, TX 77573
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