Johnie H. Bernardi

Johnie Hose Bernardi, 87, Topeka, died peacefully March 17, 2010. He was a loving, caring man who always put others first. Born Feb. 9, 1923, the son of Johnie V. and Eunice Cadule Bernardi in Weir, Kansas. He graduated from Weir High School where he was a varsity basketball player, playing guard with All-American Jim T. Hamilton. Johnie was inducted into military service Jan. 15, 1943 and was honorably discharged Feb. 12, 1946. In the 387th Infantry Regiment, he served in Germany, Japan, and other parts of Europe. He was awarded the American Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, TWX WD 23 Oct 45, the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, and the European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal. On July 21, 1947, Johnie joined the United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters. He was a pipefitter until 1992. Johnie served as Business Manager of Local #165 from Jan. 1986 to 1992 and was a delegate at the UA Convention 1986, 1992. He was Business Manager of Local #165 when he retired. He owned a U.S. Post Office in Weir for 35 years and helped to design and supervise construction of the Beverly Bernardi Post Conservatory of Dance and Shopping Center. He was a member of Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, American Legion Post 1 for 50 yrs., VFW Post 2187, the American Italian Club, and Local #165 Plumbers and Pipefitters Union. Family, friends, and dance students have all known Johnie's kindness. He married Betty A. Schirmer on April 22, 1947. They have been married 62 years. She survives. Other survivors include one daughter Beverly Bernardi Post and one granddaughter Belinda Tina Post, Topeka; a sister Mary Grasso (Ross), Weir; and a sister-in-law Alice Ritter, Phoenix. Nieces and nephews include Denise Grasso, Weir; Ret. Col. A.D. Ritter (Sandee), San Antonio; JB Ritter (Jan), Phoenix; Ret. Lt. Col. Bill Ritter (Margaret), Beavercreek, Ohio; Arlene Ross (Mike), Scottsdale. Mr. Bernardi will lie in state from 6:30 to 8:30 Tues. at Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Rd., Topeka KS 66614, where a rosary will be prayed at 7:30. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wed. at 11:00 am at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church. Entombment will follow at Mount Hope Mausoleum. Donations may be made in Johnie’s name to Muscular Dystrophy or Most Pure Heart Church sent in care of the funeral home.

Johnie H. Bernardi

January 1, 1753 - March 23, 2010