Obituary: Dr. Anthony Bernardo

Anthony A. Bernardo, M.D., 83, died Wednesday Sept. 12 peacefully, surrounded by his entire family after a short illness.

He was the husband of Margaret (Toner) Bernardo. Born in Bristol RI, Dr. Bernardo was the youngest of 3 sons of the late Dr. John R. Bernardo Sr. and Emily C. (Ruggiero) Bernardo.

Dr. Bernardo graduated from Colt Memorial High School, the University of Maryland-College, Park, Class of 1950, and The University of Maryland Medical School, Class of 1954. In 1960, he entered private practice in surgery in Fall River, MA. He was a practicing general surgeon at Charlton Memorial and St. Anne's Hospital. Dr. Bernardo later became the chief of surgery at Charlton. After retiring from surgery, he worked at Dartmouth Medical Center for several years. During this time, he belonged to numerous organizations including the Diplomat American Board of Surgery, Fellow American College of Surgeons, and the Massachusetts Medical Society. He also was a member of the Cup Defenders.

He was honored to be named Chief Marshal of the Bristol 4th of July parade in 1980. At the time, he credited his father, Dr. John R. Bernardo, Sr., as the driving force for any success he has attained. He had a true zest for life, sports, playing cards and being with his family.

In addition to his wife of 57 years, he is survived by his children, Michael A. Bernardo and his wife Eva of Warren; Terry B. Keilty and her husband Chuck of Georgetown, MA; J. Patrick Bernardo and his wife Elizabeth of Madison, CT; Anthony J. Bernardo of Bristol; Stephen G. Bernardo and his wife Lisa of Bristol; and Matthew P. Bernardo of New York, NY; and 14 grandchildren. He was the brother of the late Ralph A Bernardo and John R. Bernardo M.D.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial Friday, Sept. 21, 2012 at 11 a.m. in St. Mary’s Church, 330 Wood Street, Bristol. Burial will be private and visiting hours are respectfully omitted. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Bristol 4th of July Committee, P.O. Box 561, or to the Bristol Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 775, both Bristol, RI 02809.
For online condolences, shared memories, information and directions go to www.sansonefuneralhome.com