Charles D. Bernard
July 23, 1956 — March 31, 2014
Charles D. Bernard, age 57, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, March 31, 2014 after a courageous three year battle with cancer.
Chuck, a wonderful husband and father, is survived by his loving wife of 32 years Mary Kay (nee A'Hearn); and three sons, Matthew, Jacob and Zachary Bernard; his parents, Theodore and Joyce Bernard of Knoxville, TN; two brothers, James (Teri) Thompson of Fulsom, CA, John (Lettitia) Bernard of Topeka, KS, two sisters, Sherri (Will) Besancenez of Knoxville, TN, and Jill-Sue (Rob) Donovan of Chicago, IL; uncles, Roscoe Bernard of Kansas City, MO and Don (Corrine) Larsen of Idaho; mother- in-law Connie A'Hearn (nee Georgantas) of Lockport, IL; sisters and brothers- in-law Annette (Vince) Driscoll of Channahon, IL, Teresa (Jeff) Kolomodin, Ray A'Hearn and Tony A'Hearn of Lockport, IL; honorary daughters, his nieces, Rebecca (J.P.) Rasmussen, Jessica (Jay Marsett) Reiter, Kristina (Matt) McDonald all of Joliet, IL; as well as additional numerous nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death by his mother, Jane (Hyde) Bernard; brother, Greg (Faye) Thompson; grandparents, George and Geraldine Bernard; MacFreeman and Zella Hyde.
Chuck graduated from MacMurray College, Jacksonville, IL where he played soccer and met the love of his life. Chuck was a Comcast Cable employee since 1985. He was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan, and a fan of soccer at all levels. Chuck coached soccer for various youth teams in Joliet and was the head coach of the JCA soccer program from 2005-2009. He announced JCA football games from 2005 until 2013 and the St. Ray's Holiday Basketball Tournament from 1997 until 2011.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to JCA Fund for tuition assistance, The Joliet Area Community Hospice, or Marycrest Early Childhood Center Playground Fund.
A Celebration of Chuck's life will begin on Saturday, April 5, 2014 with prayers in the funeral home chapel beginning at 9:20 a.m. then driving in procession to the Cathedral of St. Raymond Nonnatus for a Mass of Christian Burial to be held at 10:00 a.m. Per Chuck's wishes, cremation rites will be accorded. Visitation will be held on Friday, April 4, 2014 from 2:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at Tezak Funeral Home, 1211 Plainfield Rd, Joliet, IL 60435. Obituary and Tribute Wall for Charles D. Bernard at www.tezakfuneralhome.com or for information, 815-722-0524. Arrangements entrusted to: