Richard J Bernard Sr, 76 years old, of Highlands, NJ passed away at home on August 20, 2006.
Born and raised in Newark, he lived in East Hanover for 43 years before moving to Highlands 5 years before his death. Mr. Bernard worked for the NJ State Department of Labor for 36 years before retiring in 1994. He earned a BA in business from Seton Hall University, South Orange, NJ.
A retired Marine Corps veteran, he served in the Korean War and was awarded the Purple Heart for wounds received in combat.
Mr. Bernard was chairman of the Statue of Liberty Ellis Island Accessibility Committee, during which he received the National Park Service Honorary National Park Ranger Award in 1987. He was appointed by Gov Florio as deputy commissioner of Veterans Affairs for the State of New Jersey from 1990 to 1994. He was a 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus Dr McDowell Council 2248 in Madison, NJ.
Mr. Bernard was predeceased by his son, Richard J, Jr., who passed away on Sept 20, 2003. Survivors included his wife, Maureen A. (nee Casey); his son and daughter-in-law, Sean and Mary Patricia of Budd Lake; his daughter-in-law Christina Bernard of Lincroft; his four grandchildren, Nicole, Ryan, Sean, and Brandon; his brother-in-law, Frank Casey, and his niece, Veronica Bentley.
Richard J Bernard, Sr. died on August 20, 2006.
A Liturgy of Christian Burial was offered at St Rose of Lima Church in East Hanover. Interment was at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in East Hanover.
