Born and raised in Dibua, Laoag City, Philippines, Vic was lovingly raised and supported by his parents, Melania and Zacarias Bernardino. He earned his bachelor’s degree in engineering from Mapúa University before immigrating to Hawaiʻi in the 1960s in search of new opportunities. Soon after, he was drafted into the United States Army, where he proudly served in Washington, D.C., during the Vietnam War. Following his honorable discharge in the early 1970s, Vic settled in Mountain View, California, where he married the love of his life, Vickie.
Vic devoted 31 years to Kaiser Electronics, where he built an accomplished career as a mechanical engineer and ultimately retired as Quality Director. In the early 1980s, he and Vickie made San Jose their home, raising their children, Lorelei and Jonas, in a household filled with laughter, pool parties, card games, and countless cherished memories.
To know Vic was to know joy. He was the heart of every family gathering…. the master planner behind countless celebrations, the emcee who kept everyone laughing, and the guitarist who brought music to life as a member of the Hilltoppers band. He loved dancing with Vickie…. boogie-woogie, the twist, ballroom, you name it.
Traveling was high on Vic’s bucket list, and he checked off many destinations along the way, including Canada, Alaska, Europe, Mexico, Portugal, and the Caribbean. He enjoyed capturing memorable events through the lens of his video camera and through vivid photographs. His thoughtfully created custom music CDs and photo collages became treasured gifts that reflected the love and thoughtfulness he poured into his family and friends.
Above all, Vic was a “yes” dad. He never hesitated to chaperone field trips, lend a hand during recess duty, or drive to the city with a station wagon filled with preteens. He found his greatest happiness in bringing joy to others. He was a mentor, an encourager, and a steady source of wisdom for everyone who was fortunate enough to know him. He treated every person with genuine respect and kindness, always making others feel valued, heard, and appreciated.
Vic is lovingly survived by his beloved wife, Vickie; daughter, Lorelei; son, Jonas; son-in-law, Blaine; daughter-in-law, Heather; and cherished grandchildren, Jase, Casen, Inarah, and Isidorah, along with countless family members and friends who will forever carry his love, strength, and joyful spirit in their hearts.
His song may have ended, but the music he brought to our lives will play on forever.
