OBITUARY
Dr. Ernest Francis "Bud" Bernhardi Jr.
June 5, 1920 – January 12, 2017
Dr. Ernest Francis “Bud” Bernhardi, Jr., DO, peacefully passed away at his home in Harrisonburg, VA on January 12, 2017. He was 96.
Born June 5, 1920 in Chicago, IL to Ernest F. Bernhardi, Sr. and Florence Ruth MacPherson, he was raised in East Rockaway, Long Island, NY.
Dr. Bernhardi was a US Army veteran of World War II and graduated in 1951 from the Chicago College of Osteopathy. He maintained a general practice in Malverne, NY from 1952-78, while serving as Nassau County Police Surgeon, 5th Precinct. In 1978, he relocated to Harrisonburg, VA to continue his practice and retired in 2011at age 91.
Dr. Bernhardi held appointments as Clinical Professor and Associate Professor at New York College of Osteopathic Medicine and West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine, respectively.
Known to many as "Bud", he was a man of great compassion, generosity and spirituality. His passion was treating children and those afflicted with cerebral palsy, autism, migraines and chronic back pain.
Bud was a member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, The Knights of Columbus and Disabled Veterans of America.
Mr. Bernhardi was preceded in death by two daughters, Caryl Ann Lear and Ruth Kaplan; sisters Marjorie and Marilou; brothers John and Robert.
He is survived by wife, Emmy Keller Bernhardi and first wife, Carol J. Bernhardi; brother William; sons, Edward and Ern; grandchildren, Teddy, Elizabeth, Christian and Jordan Bernhardi, Matt and Scott Kaplan; and son-in-law Stan Kaplan.
The family will receive friends at the Lindsey Funeral Home, in Harrisonburg, Monday, January 16, 2017 from 6:00-8:00 pm.
Funeral service will be held at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, in Harrisonburg, Tuesday, January 17, 2017 at 12:00 Noon.
Donations can be made to Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church and the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.lindseyharrisonburg.com
Services
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Visitation
Monday, January 16, 2017
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Funeral Service
Tuesday, January 17, 2017
Memories
Dr. Ernest Francis "Bud" Bernhardi Jr.
have a memory or condolence to add?
ADD A MEMORYJeni Pearce
April 1, 2020
Love you grandpa doc
Daughter of caryl Ann
Chris Laseter
February 17, 2017
From the doctors in the Mid-Atlantic Osteopathic Study Group, we will never forget your kindness and generosity in sharing your vast knowledge and experience- Thank You. Working on your legacy
Chris Laseter, DO
Ern Bernhardi
January 22, 2017
Love you, Pop. You are in my thoughts every day.
Jenifer Pearce
January 18, 2017
Love you Grandpa Doc
I'll cherish our letters forever
Peter Bower
January 17, 2017
Emmy,
Bud touched my life in the most profound way. He treated me, as did you, and taught me. I try to model my life and practice after his. If I become 10% of what Bud represented as a physician and friend, I'll be satisfied. My heart, love and prayers go out to you and your family.
Peter Bower, M.D.
Judy Lawson
January 16, 2017
Sending prayers to you Emmy and the family. So many years ago I walked into your office on High Street and met this wonderful man/Dr. like no other with such healing hands that would take away my migraine headaches with such grace. Never has there been or will there be another like him. His humor, wit and wonderful personality made it such a joy to visit the office. I am so sorry for your loss. He will be very much missed in the town of Harrisonburg, Va.
Jerry & Judy Huffer
January 16, 2017
Emmy, You and Dr. Bernhardi were such an important part of Jerry and my life. You did so much for our son John and for that we will be forever grateful We miss seeing you and your smiling face. Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. A very admirable man is now an angel, watching over all he tended to. Take care of yourself. We love you.
Heidi Villacreses-Stover
January 15, 2017
Dear Gotti, Buddy was a kind man I have warm memories of times we came to dinner at your house with Mami and Bapi and Bingo and how he was funny and made us laugh. We are very sorry for your loss. With love, Heidi, Klara & Brigitte & all the family
Nancy & Buzz CONAHAN
January 15, 2017
Dear Emmy,
You and Dr. B have been a part of my life, and many others that I brought with me during regular treatments.We had an immediate connection from the first time I walked into your office on High Street, thru all my ups and downs and roll overs in too many cars.
When you finally made Bud fully retire, and we came as quests to your beautiful home, and he still insisted on treating me and whoever made the trip with me...the love just grew stronger. I know some times it took more positive energy and you both were exhausted. Dr. B always needed you, from head to feet,from helping patients, to keeping up the office, to making healthy meals and enjoying the garden and birds.
You are so strong, but please Emmy, let all of your friends and family take care of you now. You need to allow yourself this luxury. Bud is watching over you, and wants you to be happy for him, and for you.
If I looked up SoulMates in the dictionary I would expect to see you and Dr, B as the best example. You both have helped, nourished and loved me, as family. Austin sends his love, he now has a family of his own.
Buzz never knew of such deep love and positive energy before he met you and Dr. B. I have tried to pass on your caring, love and understanding to all that I know.
We have been friends (more like sisters) almost since the time we met. I will be taking you out for lunch after things settle down.
Our deepest sympathies for the loss of your wonderful husband, prayers and hugs, forever and always.
Love, Nancy and Buzz
Keaton and Betty Shenk
January 15, 2017
Emmy, we are very sorry about your loss. Over the years, Dr. Bernhardi gave great care to various members of our family. He was genuine, kind, helpful, professional, and had a great sense of humor. He also knew his limits and was quick to refer on when needed. We always appreciated your friendly welcome to the office and loved how the two of you worked together as a team. Keaton and Betty
Dwight Miller
January 14, 2017
Emmy: My wish for you is based on our personal relationship in the High Street Office Building family with The Garbers. It is a wonderful memory. My memory of yours and Bus's professional services to me makes me sorry that my parents and you couldn't have known each other. Bud and Dr. O.L. were very similar in their Osteopathic manipulative treatment and in their personal concern for their patients. Enjoy your remaining years, as I am doing, with great memories and love
Dwight Miller at Bridgewater Retirement Community,
January 14, 2017
Emmy, warm thoughts to you. Remembering a man who has done so much for so many, with your wonderful help. Miss talking with you. Take care of yourself!
Love, Wanda Masilek
Family Napora
January 14, 2017
Dearest Emmy, he touched every member of our family of 6 and made us better. You both brought health and happy moments to us. Blessings, the Napora family.