Bernard Charles Reck

Col. (Ret.) Bernard C. Reck departed the confinements of his earthly body on March 24, 2024, at the age of 95.

Bernard (also known as Bernie, Bernardo, Puz, Colonel Reck, Coach Reck, Dad, Pops, and Grandpa) was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on August 7, 1928, to Bernard F. Reck and Henrietta Lanz. Bernie’s storytelling regarding his formative years in Pittsburgh left an indelible mark on his children. He regaled them with his fishing escapades (which often required that he travel on the local bus with a bucket of minnows to get to the fishing holes), his neighborhood sandlot sports, his jobs as a mail carrier, a worker in the steel mill, and a helper for his Uncle Paul. He told many stories about his parents, siblings, and relatives and about the city of Pittsburgh. Bernie’s children consequently became avid fans of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Pirates without ever having lived there.

Bernie attended Baldwin High School and lettered in 4 sports, (basketball, football, baseball and track)—the first in his high school to do so. He worked to support himself in college and graduated from Slippery Rock where he played college sports and majored in physical education with the intention to become a coach. However, since he was going to be drafted into the Army, he decided to join the Air Force.

This was the beginning of an adventurous 28 years as an USAF officer and airman. Bernie was a B-26 navigator/bombardier in the Korean War and a F-105 strike and Wild Weasel flight lead during the Vietnam War. He helped pioneer tactical aircraft airborne refueling with the F-100 and KB-50 tanker for Atlantic Ocean crossings. He was a warrior, cool fighter pilot, great flight commander and honorable military officer.

In 1960 he met the love of his life, Anna Maria Bizzaro, at Aviano Air Force Base, Italy where she worked at the Base Exchange. After a short 4-month courtship, she agreed to marry him and to move to the United States. In 2020 they celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.

Although Bernie was away often from his wife and children due to his military duties, he always made his family his priority. Bernie and Anna embraced the life of an Air Force family raising 4 children while living overseas and in various places throughout the U.S.

In 1979, Bernie retired from the Air Force and moved his family one last time. He decided to return to his original intention and moved to San Antonio for a teaching and coaching position at Central Catholic High School. A former student of his who is retired from the Army and served nine tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan had this to say: “Col. Reck made a huge difference in my life as a coach and a teacher. He did the same for my three brothers. He was hard but fair and helped set the foundation of faith, family and service to others we all live by.”

In 1992 Bernie and Anna built their lakefront dream home at Canyon Lake where he could enjoy all water activities with his family and friends. Full retirement did not slow Bernie down! Even at 80 years old he was still climbing ladders, wielding a chain saw for upkeep on the property, staining the deck, painting the house and undertaking a multitude of other tasks.

His children and grandchildren will remember him for his love of music and dancing, his silly nature and big laugh, his love of the “funnies” especially the Peanuts comic strip, his safety checklists, his curiosity and knowledge, his unwavering support and love, his integrity, work ethic, courage and faith in God. Through all the qualities he exemplified, Bernie gave us “wings ever to soar!” Mission accomplished.

Bernie was preceded in death by his wife, Anna Maria Reck; parents; sister Dorothea Reck; and brother Richard M. Reck. Bernie is survived by his daughter, Susan Reck; son, Buddy Reck (Christina); and his daughters, Patricia Reck (Bryan) and Christina Reck-Guerra (Michael); and grandchildren, Charlton Cohen, and Jonathan and Maria Reck.

The family would like to thank Dr. Michael Lichtenstein, MD, the home health caregivers from Always Best Care, the dedicated caregivers at Kincare/Gemstone at North Star Assisted Living and Memory Care, and the team at Reliant Home Hospice. Bernie’s family extends a special thank you to Precious Love for the additional loving care she provided to him and our family during his final days. We are eternally grateful for their compassion and care of our precious father and grandfather.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., on Sunday, April 14, 2024, at Porter Loring Mortuary.

ROSARYSUNDAY, APRIL 14, 20247:00 P.M.PORTER LORING MORTUARY1101 McCULLOUGH AVENUE 78212

MASSMONDAY, APRIL 15, 202410:00 A.M.BLESSED SACRAMENT CATHOLIC CHURCH600 OBLATE DRIVE 78216

Interment with Full Military Honors will follow at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his honor to Disabled American Veterans (www.dav.org) or to Catholic Charities Archdiocese of San Antonio (www.ccaosa.org).

Click here to livestream the service of Col. (Ret.) Bernard C. Reck

Click here to view the livestream on Facebook