Thomas A. Bernat

Thomas A. Bernat, 76, of Mansfield, passed away Saturday, September 1, 2018 at his home after a courageous battle with esophageal cancer. Born January 4, 1942 in Mansfield, he was the son of John Andrew and Liselotte (Boebel) Bernat.

Thomas was a graduate of Mansfield Senior High School and retired from AK Steel as an electrician after 31 years of service. He was an avid sports fan and loved following The Ohio State Buckeyes, Cleveland Indians, Cavaliers, and Browns and was a Mansfield Tyger football season ticket holder. In his younger years, he had earned his black belt in karate. Thomas was a member of Gold Wing Road Riders Association, ROMEO'S motorcycle group, the NRA, AmVets, VFW and Venus Lodge #152 F&AM. He loved to travel and take cruises and enjoyed being outdoors by his pool and watching the wild animals in his back yard which were mostly fox and deer. Thomas was a hard worker who was a kind, generous and friendly man and a wonderful grandfather who will be missed by all.

He is survived by his children, Raquel Curry, Ryan (Lori) Bernat, Tomi Moore and Jeri (Jim) Kinney; grandchildren, Kelsey Curry, Ryan Thomas Bernat, Dylan Bernat, Logan Bernat, Courtney (Nathan) Neal, Caitlyn (Holland) Brokaw, Coryanna Fraley (Shawn Scott), Connor Fraley (Cheyenne Lawhorn), Emily Kinney, Macey Kinney and Riley Kinney; eight great grandchildren; two brothers, John (Anne) Bernat and Gene Bernat; a sister, Charlotte Dickey; numerous nieces and nephews; special friends, Peggy Schmidt, Mike and Dee Maglott, and Paul and Marlene Blanton; and his former wife, Cynthia (Blake) Hickerson.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two daughters, Stephanie Bernat and Michelle Bernat; a grandson, Kyle Curry; two brothers, Paul (Marti) Stuff and Harvey (Shirley) Bernat; a sister, Shirley Bernat; and former wife, Marilyn Tesso.

Friends may call from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 9, 2018 at the Ontario Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 100 South Lexington-Springmill Road, Ontario. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, September 10, 2018 at the funeral home conducted by Pastor Dick Meyer. Memorial contributions may be made to the Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital.