Bernard J. Russick

Following High School graduation, he entered into military service with the United States Navy serving as a radioman during the Korean War. Upon returning to Pennsylvania and graduating from the University of Scranton Bernard took great pride in that he was taught by The Jesuits.

Bernard’s career was devoted to serving the General Adjustment Bureau and Department of Housing and Urban Development in Washington DC and Baltimore.

He belonged to several civic and veteran clubs: The Omaha Beach No. 7 Disabled Veterans of America; the American Legion Greenbelt Post 136; and the Elks Lodge No. 2309, of which he was a past Exalted Ruler. He was a member of Sacred Heart Church of Bowie.

Bernard’s first job as a young teenager was in a butcher shop making Kielbasa. He became a good Polish cook, often making stuffed cabbage and pierogies for hundreds of attendees at church and community events.

He enjoyed playing his Big Bass in a little traveling band called “The Jolly Polkateers.”Bernard and his wife enjoyed dancing Friday evenings at Max Blob’s Park in Jessup and often would dance in the kitchen on Sunday afternoons while listening to a local Polka music radio program. He was a friend to all - many nieces, nephews, neighbors - he was fondly known as “Bernie from Bowie”.

Bernard is predeceased by his siblings Edward Russick, John Russick and Romaine Umlor and is survived by one brother. Francis Russick, who resides in California. He is predeceased by his wife, Joan Karen Huddelson Russick; and his stepdaughter Barbara Ann Doman.

He is survived by his daughter The Reverend Karen Marie Huddelson Gillespie of Greensboro, NC and his two grandchildren: Michael Charles Waxer of Brooklyn, NY and Ana Victoria Waxer of Portland, Oregon

A visitation for Bernard will be held Sunday, January 8, 2023 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Robert E. Evans Funeral Home, 16000 Annapolis Road, Bowie, MD 20715.

A mass of Christian burial will occur Monday, January 9, 2023 at 10:30 AM at Sacred Heart Chapel, 16501 Annapolis Road, Bowie, MD 20715.

His graveside service will occur Monday, January 9, 2023 at 1:00 PM at Maryland Veterans Cemetery Cheltenham, 11301 Crain Highway, Cheltenham, MD 20623.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.robertevansfuneralhome.com for the Russick family.