Barry Bernard

Barry C Bernard, 73, of Dumont, NJ, passed away on July 2, 2026 in his childhood home. He was born on February 3, 1953 in Fort Lee, NJ to William Bernard and Claire Sheehan. Undoubtedly a hardworker, he had a rewarding career as a Custodial Engineer for the Bergenfield Board of Education and as a talented reupholsterer. He volunteered his time for the Saint John’s Council Knights of Columbus, serving as Grand Knight and Faithful Navigator.

In 1976, Barry married the love of his life, Maria (Tamburello) Bernard, with this year commemorating their 50th Golden Anniversary. Together, they built a beautiful life that placed family and good friends above all else. Barry instilled his love of Disney in his four children through Florida road trips and Mary Poppins or Pete the Dragon movie screenings. Hershey Park was a second home. He valued tradition but also embraced mystery rides, loading the whole family in the car and going wherever the wind blew them. His love of cars surpassed family road trips, visiting countless car shows and spending years building his collection of cast iron miniatures with his favorite, the legendary Tucker 48. After retirement, Barry and Maria dedicated their life to their ten grandchildren, proudly displaying their “Happiness is Being Grandparents” license plate holder.

Barry is survived by his wife Maria (Tamburello) Bernard, children Barry Bernard Jr, Joseph (Eva) Bernard, Patricia (Christopher) Palardy, and Melissa (Philip) Palkewick, siblings Kevin Bernard, Maryclaire Bernard, grandchildren Alexander Palardy, Addison Palardy, Christina Palardy, Juliet Bernard, August Bernard, Hudson Bernard, Abigail Palkewick, Madelyn Palkewick, Marshall Palardy, and Theodore Palkewick. He was preceded in death by William Bernard (father), Claire (Sheehan) Bernard (mother), Donald Bernard (brother) and Terrance Bernard (brother).

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, July 7th from 2-4pm and 7-9pm at Riewerts Funeral Home at 187 South Washington Avenue, Bergenfield, NJ 07621. The funeral will take place on Wednesday, July 8th at 10am at Saint Mary's Church, 280 Washington Avenue, Dumont, NJ 07628. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Saint Mary’s Church of Dumont, NJ or The Saint John’s Council #1345 Knights of Columbus.