Harold William Bernhardt

1926 - 2023

Bernhardt

Harold William Bernhardt

Harold William Bernhardt, formerly of Old Bridge, New Jersey died peacefully at his home in Washington, DC on January 10, 2023. Harold was born on December 27, 1926 in New York City, New York. He grew up in Maspeth, Queens and graduated from Grover Cleveland High School in 1944.

Harold was the first of his family to graduate from college. He put himself through New York University's Evening Division before transferring to the City College of New York. He graduated from CCNY with a degree in electrical engineering in 1948. He received his Master's in Electrical Engineering from New York University in 1953.

Harold had a successful career as an electrical engineer with General Electric for 31 years (retiring in 1987), and later Con Edison, before retiring in 1992.

Before moving to Grand Oaks Assisted Living in Washington, DC in 2016, Harold was a longtime resident of Old Bridge, New Jersey. He was a devoted father and husband, as well as an avid skier. He loved travelling, both in the U.S. and abroad, and watching old movies and musicals. Harold was an unrepentant chocoholic, drinker of gin martinis and voracious reader who loved to read newspapers and books about history, especially World War II. He also loved animals and supported several animal-related causes in both New Jersey and Washington, DC. He welcomed visits from his daughter's dogs, even after a particularly naughty one chewed his furniture and slippers.

Harold was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Emily (née Cheresnik) Bernhardt, his brother Fred Bernhardt, his sister Marie Schettini, and his parents Herman and Marie Bernhardt. He is survived by his daughter, Lisa Bernhardt, of Washington, DC, his sister, Evelyn Hoffman, of East Northport, NY and several nieces.

His laughter, kindness and sense of humor will be missed by many, especially by his daughter.

Interment will be private.

His obituary can be viewed and online condolences may be made at www.PumphreyFuneralHome.com. Donations in his name may be made to The Seeing Eye (www.seeingeye.org) or the Friends of the Monmouth County Parks.