Robert A. Bernardo

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Robert A. Bernardo, on February 28, 2025.  Born in Brooklyn, New York, on December 5, 1942, Bob later settled in New Jersey, where he raised his family and built a life filled with love, laughter and cherished memories.

Bob worked for many years as a traffic manager with Seven Santini Brothers, Allied Moving & Storage and Reliable. Later, finding a passion for carpentry, he worked for K. Hovnanian, U.S. Homes and Lennar. With the skills he learned, he took pride in the work he did renovating his children’s homes.  After retirement, Bob moved to Florida where he continued doing what he did best, becoming the local handyman for his neighbors and friends.  While living in Florida, Bob also married his wife Jacqueline Burkland on October 21, 2016.  Bob cherished his memories in Brooklyn, New York and had a deep passion for the timeless melodies of Frank Sinatra, demonstrated with his mantra of doing it “His Way.” Sports enthusiast, he enjoyed bowling, golf, introducing stickball to his Hazlet, New Jersey, neighbors, coaching HYAL and could often be found playing a competitive game of pinochle or canasta with family and friends. His true talent, however, was at the pool table—an exceptional player from a young age, later known as “Bobby Bananas,” he rarely lost a match. He also had a deep appreciation for classic cars, with Cadillacs holding a special place in his heart.

Bob was predeceased by his parents, Louis and Catherine Bernardo, and his brother, Louis.  He is survived by his beloved wife, Jacqueline, and his three children: Louis Bernardo, his wife, Judie; Lisa Schwedes, her husband, Darren; and Toni Ann Callari, her husband, William. He was a proud grandfather to Hope, Marissa Matteo, her husband, Nick; Gina Bernardo; DJ Schwedes; Paul Sokolowski, wife Kate; and Rachel Poole, husband, Will; great-grandchildren, Summer, Nick, and Charlotte, as well as his dear nieces, Barbara Ann, her husband, Nick; and Adrienne.

While his absence leaves a void in the hearts of those who loved him, we will cherish the memories of his knack for telling a good joke, his texts alerting friends and family to weather conditions in New Jersey, his predictions for weekly sports games and his acts of kindness for the poor. Bob’s memory will be forever cherished, and his presence deeply missed.

A funeral mass to honor Bob’s life will be held March 20, 2025, at Holy Cross Church, 505 26th St W, Palmetto, FL 34221.  11:00am

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Boys & Girls Club of America, Central Florida.