Bernard "Bernie" Chianco

Bernard "Bernie" Chianco was known as many things to many people. He was a loved one, a friend, and someone special. To family and friends who knew him best, Bernard will be remembered as a very exceptional person.

       He was the son of Benedetto (Benjamin) & Lucia (Lucy). Bernard grew up in Philadelphia.

      Bernard was raised with 11 siblings (3 of whom died at birth & in first weeks of life). He had 4 brothers - Al, Pete, Lou & Paul, and 4 sisters, Marie, Mil, Lil, Joan. Bernard was usually involved in all sorts of activities with his siblings. He and his siblings experienced rivalries typical of a growing family, but they shared many life experiences over the years.

       Empathic and loyal, Bernard was committed to making his new family happy.

      Bernard worked hard to be a good father to his children and he did his best to fulfill their needs. Bernard was blessed with 4 children, David, John, Donna & Denise. Another blessing for Bernard was the gift of 5 grandchildren, Vincent, Taylor, Anthony, Macayla & Carson.

      Fortunately, Bernard enjoyed what he did for a living. Showing a strong work ethic, Bernard worked diligently and did his best to succeed in his career. His primary occupation was as an entrepreneur. He owned a number of businesses, including - Pest Control, Advertising, Pizzeria, Shoe Store, Auto Electric Shop. He was also a professional musician (songwriter, composer, arranger and producer). Bernard always sought to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done.

      Bernard was an Army veteran & a Coast Guard veteran. He was in the Merchant Marines, traveling through Europe with an Honorable Discharge in 1946. He served in the U. S. Army, 1st Armored Division and as an Army Ranger until his Honorable Discharge in 1958. Bernard saw action for two years during the Korean conflict. Through his hard work, he achieved the rank of Sergeant. His fellow soldiers viewed him as a brother in arms and knew that he was as much a part of their family as their loved ones back home.

      Bernard enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were music: guitar, bass, banjo, mandolin, harmonica, steel guitar, piano & keyboards as well as karate; magic & coin collecting. He was content to enjoy his favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

      Bernard found pleasure in sports. Recreational sports included bowling & karate. Bernard was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed following his favorite events whenever he had the chance to do so. He enjoyed watching football.

      Bernard was a man who took pride in upholding his beliefs. So it is little wonder that he took an active role in his community, serving on committees for the Nativity of Our Lord Church.

      Bernard’s faith was important to him. He was a member of Nativity of Our Lord for 17 years.

      Bernard enjoyed traveling and time away on vacations. It was a chance for him to renew and relax, to visit new places and experience new things. Favorite vacations included Florida, Pocono Mountains, Jersey Shore, New York, Italy & Scotland.

      Bernard passed away on September 25, 2015 at Clearwater, Florida with loved ones by his side. Bernie fought an eleven year battle with Alzheimer's. He is survived by his children, David, John, Donna & Denise; his grandchildren Vincent, Taylor, Anthony, Macayla & Carson. Services at Sylvan Abbey. Bernard was laid to rest in Sylvan Abbey, Clearwater, Florida.

      Simply stated, Bernard was a good and kind person, an individual who will for all time be remembered by his family and friends as being a caring and giving person, someone who was a vital part of their lives. Bernard leaves behind him a legacy of life-long friendships and many cherished memories. Everyone whose life he touched will always remember Bernard "Bernie" Chianco.

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Bernard "Bernie" Chianco (1928-2015)

Bernie Chianco, 87, of Clearwater, Florida passed away on Friday, September 25, 2015. Bernie was born on May 10, 1928 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to the late Benedetto (Benjamin) and Lucia (Lucy) Chianco. He was a loving husband to his wife Yolanda until her passing in 1992. He is survived by his children: David Chianco, John Chianco, Donna Chianco and Denise Esposito; sister: Lilian Douglas; and grandchildren: Vincent, Taylor, Anthony, Macayla and Carson. A graveside funeral service will be held on Friday, October 2, 2015 promptly at 3pm at the Sylvan Abby Memorial Park, 2860 Sunset Point Road, Clearwater, Florida. In lieu of flowers the family is asking that donations be made in honor Bernard Chianco to:

Music & Memory Program

Pacifica Belleair Memory Care

620 Belleair Road

Clearwater, Florida 33756

727-467-9464

Attn: Trina

Sylvan Abbey Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.