Leonard James Bernardo

Leonard (Len) Bernardo enjoyed simple pleasures like the laughter at family gatherings, golfing, a game of cribbage, tending to his plants or the satisfaction of a job well done. He passed away on March 27th, 2015 at 84, leaving many fond memories to those whose life he touched.

Len was born to James and Josephine Bernardo on July 21st, 1930 in New London, CT. After a stint in the Marine Reserves as a teenager, he enlisted with a friend in the U.S. Air Force. Len had the good fortune to arrive late for his bus to Germany, which led him to be reassigned to England, where he met a young, pretty redhead at a dance. He was by all accounts a dapper guy and smooth dancer with an inviting smile and great sense of humor. Len and Rita, his “Limey” to her “Yank”, were married on June 6, 1953. They celebrated over 61 years together, eventually settling down in 1967 with their four children in Port Orchard, WA.

Len was an accomplished mechanic and machinist, having honed his trade on cars while growing up and with planes in the Air Force. He was intuitive about how things worked and was stubbornly driven to tinker and fix. He took those skills to Electric Boat in Groton, CT and later to Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton, WA.

At PSNS, Len worked at Shop 38 where he rose to the position of General Foreman. He taught many a young mechanic about engines and what not, and the pride of an honest day’s work. A favorite quip, “don’t do a job… unless you do it right”, applied to his work as it did with any task he approached or personal duty he selflessly accepted. He retired from PSNS in 1993.

Len is survived by his wife Rita and their four children, Linda Brown (Howard) and Joanne Bernardo (Jack Templeton) of Port Orchard, WA; Lenny Bernardo (Tracey), Kirkland, WA; and John Bernardo, Long Beach, CA. Surviving siblings are Angelina Spinnato and Richard Bernardo of New London, CT. He was a proud grandfather of four (Michael, Christopher, Ian, Sydney) and great-grandfather of eight. Len enjoyed his large, extended family in Connecticut and the company of the many friends in Washington who he counted as family.

Len Bernardo led a life by example, leaving behind family and friends who loved him for who he was. He’ll forever remain in our hearts and lives.

Memorial services for family and friends will be held Friday, April 3rd at 1:00 p.m. at Rill’s Life Tribute Center in Port Orchard.

In lieu of flowers, donations to CHI Franciscan Hospice would be appreciated: Franciscan Hospice, PO Box 1502, Tacoma, WA 98401, “in memory of Leonard Bernardo”.