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Richard Bernardo Obituary

Richard F. Bernardo (78) of Marlborough, CT died unexpectedly on April 25th at Yale New Haven Hospital. Rich was also known as Einstein and the Mayor of F Dock. He was born April 12, 1947 to Rose and Ferd Bernardo. He was the oldest of three children. He attended North Haven High School and graduated from Southern Connecticut State University with a degree in Math and Political Science. He served our country in the Army National Guard. Richard retired from Aetna after 25 years of service as a systems engineer. He was a member of the Manchester Elks Club but his heart and passion was at the Westbrook Elks. He helped them with many projects and enjoyed the Thursday meatloaf and chicken parm lunches. He was predeceased by his parents. Richard married the love of his life Carolyn Adamovich in August 1973 after dating for seven years and moved into the home they built in Marlborough Ct. in September 1973 where they continued to live until his death. Richard is survived by his wife, Sister Elisa Bernardo of Colorado, brother-in law John Tychon (Kathy) Adamovich, niece Kimberly Adamovich Nunes (Telmo), nephews John-Michael Adamovich (Danielle) and Kevin Adamovich (Mary). He is also survived by his great nieces and nephews Sarah Nunes, Emma Adamovich, Dillon Nunes, Jack Adamovich, Ryan and Kyle Adamovich. Also survived by his dear dog Jester. Richard loved his summers at the marina. His winter blues were over once the boat was in his slip at F Dock 19S. He was known for his American flag on his self-made flag pole that provided wind direction for all the boaters. He would set sail every morning returning in the afternoon and being the great sailor he was, he could dock it by himself. Knowing Carolyn would be worried, he called her faithfully every day at 8am and 5 pm. Richard was also known for his black shorts, sneakers and no shirt and a dark tan. He would also lend a hand to many of the boaters shaking his head telling them they were going about it the wrong way and he would be right to their dismay. Richard will always be remembered for his helping hand, Bud, Pepsi, Oreo cookies and his silver corvette. I would like to give a special thankyou to one of his best friends Bob who was with him til the very end and his other best friend John for getting the corvette home and doing all Rich's internet searches. You both meant the world to him. A visitation will be held Thursday May 1st from 9:30 to 11:30 at Celentano Funeral home 424 Elm Street New Haven. Prayer service will begin at 11:30 with burial immediately following at East Side Cemetery in Woodbridge. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Richard's memory to the Anna Maria Adamovich scholarship fund, C/O Amity Regional High School, 25 Newton Road Woodbridge, CT 06525 Atten. Finance Dept. This scholarship is awarded annually to a Amity Senior pursuing a career in education or computer programming. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Richard F. Bernardo, please visit our floral store.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by WFSB on Apr. 28, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Bernardo

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Cathy

September 4, 2025

I am so sorry to hear of Richard´s passing. I was a friend of Elisa and I was just telling someone of the great music set up in their basement. Richard and Dennis were great music mentors. I remember when the house in Marlborough was finished and every time I pass through that town, I thought of the two of you. May he rest in peace.

Lindy Mayfield

May 29, 2025

I worked with Dick at Aetna, and it was around the time Jerry Garcia died. He was a solid mainframe guy. He didn't like the Windows machines we had to use and refered to them quite often as "Tinker toys".

But those Windows machines connected us to the mainframe, and that is where Dick knew his stuff. We worked on a project together where we had to really "think outside the box" and we came up with some really nice Cobol programming that made it all work.

I also went sailing with Dick in the small lake next to his house. Sailing around that lake, having a few beers, it was one of the things he loved the most.

He was also quite the audiophile. His stereo system was custom and totally top of the line.

But he was mostly a super great, helpful colleague, and it was a honor for me to think of him as a friend.

Howard P Norup

May 27, 2025

so sad finding this... remembering the days listening to Richie´s stereo music... always the finest equipment and the best sound! ...we bonded somewhat in our love of motorcycles in the 70s. God bless you Carol.

Jennifer Tierney

May 5, 2025

I met Rich through my husband & the Westbrook Elks. A group of them would get together & have worldly discussions. He loved how I broke my husbands stones & he always asked how my horse was.
Joe (my husband) had just talked to him the Wednesday before his death & we were shocked to hear of his passing. He asked if we were coming up from FL this summer & we were looking forward to getting together again.
Sending our heartfelt condolences. He will certainly be missed.
RIP Rich!!!
Joe & Jenn Tierney

Betsy Galian

May 1, 2025

Carolyn my deepest sympathy to you and your family. love, Betsy

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

Colchester Veterinary Hospital

Planted Trees

Sandy Spencer

April 29, 2025

Dearest Carolyn and family,
So sorry to hear about Richie´s sudden passing. I know that he was authentic and happiest on his boat. I will cherish the sail he took us on a few years ago and know that he is just a sail´s way on a different shore for now
Carolyn you took such great care of Rich and I am sure appreciated your love and laughter. Peace and hugs.

Patrick Boney

April 29, 2025

Carolyn and family, my deepest condolences for your loss. I have often remembered our college years and the times we had together at the Cottage. May Rich rest in pease and may blessings of comfort be with you all.

Dennis Swirsky

April 28, 2025

To Carolyn and the entire circle of Rich´s family and friends:
Please accept our heartfelt condolences on Rich´s passing.
He lived his life exactly as he wanted to. Carol and I will miss our F Dock chats on the state of the NY Yankees; the economy; state of the Trump presidency; and most importantly the state of F Dock
and the weather.
Dennis and Carol Swirsky
Cape Coral FL

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Memorial Events
for Richard Bernardo

Apr

28

Prayer Service

11:30 a.m.

Celentano Funeral Home

424 Elm Street, New Haven, CT 06511

Apr

28

Burial

East Side Cemetery

Woodbridge, CT

May

1

Visitation

9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Celentano Funeral Home

424 Elm Street, New Haven, CT 06511

Funeral services provided by:

Celentano Funeral Home

424 Elm Street, New Haven, CT 06511

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