Bernard Joseph Bush

The family of Bernard Joseph Bush of Jacksonville, Fl is deeply saddened to announce his passing on Thursday, July 31 at age 94. Bernard was born in Rock Island, Illinois on December 6, 1930. He graduated with an BS degree from St Ambrose University, Davenport Iowa, in 1953. Upon graduation he was drafted into the Korean War U. S. Army. Following honorable discharge in 1955 he attended the University of Miami and obtained a MBA in 1957.

In 1956 he attended a Valentine dance at Barry University, an all girls Catholic College. It was there he met the woman that would become his “dear wife”, Rose Marie Brodeur. They were married at St Paul’s Catholic Church on November 8, 1958. They resided in Jacksonville, Florida where her extensive family lived. Rose Marie became employed by St Vincent’s Hospital as a nurse and he became employed by Prudential Insurance Company. They became parents of 5 children, 1 girl and 4 boys.

He and Rose Marie worked full time while raising a Catholic family. They were founding members of Resurrection Catholic Church, and San Juan Del Rio Catholic Church. Their children attended Resurrection and Christ the King School Catholic Schools. Bernard volunteered at both parishes such as building church bazar booths, painting the rectory and coaching his son’s Little League baseball teams.

He was employed by Prudential Insurance Company for 30 years, the bulk of which was spent in the payroll department. He retired as the Manager of the Compensation Division. His favorite expression was “numbers are my friend.”

Bernard was a DIY and taught his sons the skill set to maintain a home and car. According to Bernard, his greatest satisfaction was building his mandarin retirement home, with the assistance of his sons, in 1987.

Upon retirement, in 1992, he joined the Prudential Employee Retirement Club where he served as president for 3 years. His greatest achievement as president was obtaining a COLA for the retirees. He loved to be called “President Bush”. In addition, he volunteered at San Juan Del Rio Catholic Church as a member of the Finance and Building Committees, as well as president of the senior’s group for 2 years.

Bernard also served as accountant for his son Paul’s construction firm, Bush Construction Company, for 14 years. He enjoyed working puzzles and was a closet Downton Abbey fan. He and Rose Marie would watch an episode with their daughter during her weekly Sunday visit. He was a NASCAR fan and once attended Daytona 500 with his brother and sons.

He resided at River Garden Hebrew Home the last 7 years of his life. He developed a special bond with his favorite caregiver Supremer. After communion on Sunday his family would take him out for a steak. Going out for a steak was his ‘’favorite activity’’.

He is survived by Rose Marie Bush, wife of 66 years. He is survived by his children: Anne Marie Bush, Vincent(Jackie)Bush, Paul(Phyllis)Bush, Kenneth(Lorraine)Bush, and John(Mary Anne)Bush. His grandchildren are: Nicole(Ben)White, Ryan(Rachel)Bush, Lauren(Eric)Moses, Adam(Alice)Bush, Austin Bush, Audrey Bush, Aidan Bush and Arden Bush. There are seven great grandchildren. Sister in laws include: Mrs Juanita Bush of Moline, Illinois and Mrs. Joan Bush of Aledo, Illinois. He leaves behind many nieces and nephews, on both sides of his family, whom he had special relationships with. He is predeceased by his 5 siblings.

In lieu of flowers, a charity of your choice or Community Hospice and Palliative Care is deeply appreciated.

Funeral services are as follows: Rosary will be held at Hardage-Giddens Oaklawn Legacy Lodge on Friday, August 15th, at 6PM. A Funeral Mass will be held at San Juan Del Rio Catholic Church on Saturday, August 16th at 1200PM.