Chapter Eternal - Anthony “Tony” Bernardo, Jr. '78

We have been honored to call this man our Brother. The condolences of Theta Chi’s extended worldwide family are offered to the family and friends of our deceased brother.

It is with great sadness that we report the passing of:

  • Anthony “Tony” Bernardo Jr. - December 23, 2021


Anthony “Tony” J. Bernardo, Jr., 67, of Lansdale, peacefully went to be with the Lord on December 23, 2021, surrounded by his loving family.  He is with God, his heavenly Father, Savior and King, his Holy Spirit.  Praise God.

Tony was born on September 20, 1954 in Philadelphia to the late Anthony J. Bernardo, Sr. and Irene Bernardo.  Being from an Italian family, he was constantly surrounded by family, celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, going to church or weekly Sunday dinners with his many cousins and two siblings, Mary-Lynne (Bernardo) Moffatt and James Bernardo.  Family always came first.  In 1977, when Tony was taking a semester off from Penn State to be a ski instructor, he met the love of his life, Joann (Dzielinski) Bernardo on a blind date.  From their times scrounging up change for an Arby’s dinner date, to teaching her how to ski in blue jeans, a deep and binding love was growing.  They were married in Christ on December 30, 1978 and celebrated nearly 43 years of marriage together.  They were blessed with their children, Rose Bernardo and her husband, Dan Koetteritz, Nicholas Bernardo and his wife, Trinda (Derstine) Bernardo, and John Bernardo and his wife, Elyse Duffey Bernardo.  He was a beloved Pop Pop to Anthony, Isabella, Nicholas, Madeline, Savannah, Petra and John.  They are thankful for the man of God he was.   Each and every family member was abundantly blessed by God through Tony and these blessings will live on in his family’s hearts and lives forever. 

Tony was a successful financial advisor who had a strong passion for more than just managing his client’s portfolios.  He was genuinely invested in their lives and goals, educating them along the way, with so many becoming like family.  He loved spending time in his wood shop, being active in sports or fitness, gardening, scuba diving, and of course, playing golf.  Tony loved Saturday mornings with the posse, a $5 Nassau, all of the friendships he made over the years at Indian Valley Country Club, and watching his next generation get excited about the game.  But above it all, Tony’s prized possession and favorite way to spend the day was with the Loves of his Life – his family.  Whether is was all 15 of them hanging around his pool, crowded around a dinner table, watching the sunset on the beach for no-shower-happy-hour, skiing in Utah, watching the Eagles, cheering for one of the many grandkid’s sporting events with the ‘loud’ pop-pop clap, little ones curled up in his lap for a book or just a snuggle – the list could go on and on.  Tony always put his family first and those who were loved by him knew that without a shadow of a doubt.  He was the best husband, dad, pop-pop, brother, son, uncle, god-father, friend, leader and mentor.  Tony leaves behind a legacy of family first but also of his faith in Jesus.  He taught his family to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.  He left nothing on the table.  He will be dearly missed. 

Survivors not previously mentioned: Brother-in-law, Michael Moffatt (husband of Mary-Lynne Moffatt); Sister-in-law, Theresa Bernardo (wife of James Bernardo); Brother-in-law, John Dzielinski (sister of Joann Bernardo); Goddaughter, niece Miranda Moffatt; Godson, Phil Bernardo; nieces and nephews, Nora Moffatt, Jake Moffatt, Dan Bernardo, Kevin Bernardo, Millie Moffatt; and many other cousins, aunts, and uncles.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Pregnancy Resource Clinic of North Penn at https://www.prcnorthpenn.org/donate/ or by check to 311 N Broad Street, Lansdale PA 19446, 215-855-2424.

A celebration of life will take place at a future date when circumstances for gathering become safer for the family and their guests.  We invite you to share a memory of Tony with the family below. 

https://www.suessfuneralhome.net/obituary/anthony-tony-bernardo-jr