Bernard John Bishop

Bernard (Bernie) John Bishop, 87, of Fredericksburg, VA, passed away on Thursday, March 10, 2022, at Falls Run Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Born in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, on January 21, 1935, to Polish immigrant parents Stanley Bishop and Lucy Chichelka, Bernie was the youngest of nine children. He understood the importance of hard work even at an early age. He was an avid outdoorsman during his childhood and teen years, spending hours in the woods during hunting season with his dog by his side.

Bernie served as a corporal in the Air Force police from 1954 to 1958. After leaving the Air Force, he served in federal law enforcement at the U.S. Supreme Court, guarding the justices and often working undercover while court was in session. A favorite of the judges, Bernie had the privilege of introducing his children to the U.S. Supreme Court and the justices. Although he walked among great men, he had a humble heart, preferring the praise of God over the praise of men. While at the Supreme Court, he spent many hours in intercessory prayer as he carried out his duties to the justices and the judicial system.

Gifted with his hands—whether building new kitchen cabinets for his wife and family or working on a car — he later worked for the Architect for the Capitol as an air-conditioning mechanic. His work ethic and mechanical giftedness again earned him praise from the justices, who often requested him by name to resolve problems while they were in chambers. Upon retiring in 1990, he spent the next five years in the Mechanical Department of the University of Maryland College Park in the Chemistry Department.

Bernie suffered substantial physical pain during his final years, which he endured with courage and grace, holding fast to his faith in Jesus Christ. Despite his physical pain, Bernie always had a smile on his face and a joke to tell, most of which he “borrowed” from preachers. He also took great pride in maintaining his home and yard, which for many years served as the site of the children’s and grandchildren’s annual Easter Egg hunt. Bernie's greatest legacy was his faith in Jesus Christ and his love of family.

Bernie leaves behind his high-school sweetheart and devoted wife, Joan of Fredericksburg, who he referred to as the love of his life. He also leaves behind his son, Bernard Bishop, Jr. of Fredericksburg, and three daughters, Mary Yerkes of North Carolina, Lori Wenzinger of South Carolina, and Diana Unciano of Herndon. He had seven grandchildren: Ricky Yerkes, Eddie Wenzinger, Michael Wenzinger, Kristin Cash, Eric Wenzinger, Brandon Unciano and Brenna Nail. He also had three great-grandchildren, twins Alex and Jacob Wenzinger and Amelia Nail.

A celebration of life service will be held on March 19 at Richlands Baptist Church at 10:30 AM, with interment to follow at noon in Sunset Memorial Gardens. A reception will be held at Richland Baptist Church immediately after the burial.

The family requests that donations be made to The Samaritan’s Purse for the Crisis in the Ukraine in lieu of flowers.

Online condolences to the family and remembrances of Bernie may be posted online at www.mullinsthompsonfredericksburg.com