Michael John Bernardo

Michael John Bernardo passed away on October 7, 2024, at Spring Valley Hospital Medical Center in Las Vegas, NV, surrounded by his loving family and friends. He is survived by his life partner, Kazuko Boatman, and his only son, Joseph Michael Bernardo. He was the son of the late Diane Bernardo Panzo and Nicholas “Buddy” Bernardo. Michael is also survived by his step-mother, Mary Roberts, sister, Kelly Krasnow, and brother, James Bernardo, as well as his beloved nephews, Jacob, Hunter, and Parker Krasnow, and niece, Hannah Krasnow.

Michael loved nothing more than sharing a laugh and a great meal with the people he loved. He was an avid sports fan, with a special passion for watching the New York Yankees and New York Giants play. He enjoyed traveling, going to the beach, listening to live music, and keeping up with the latest movies and television shows.

Michael left a lasting legacy among all his peers as a true professional with a career spanning over 40 years in the Las Vegas gaming business. He came to Las Vegas in 1980 after graduating from Notre Dame of West Haven High School in Connecticut. He enrolled at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) and worked for Cashman Photo, delivering to all the major Strip casinos. During these early years, he got to know the casino world and decided to pursue dealing school while continuing his studies at UNLV.

In 1983, Michael officially began his career in gaming as a Blackjack dealer at the Golden Gate Casino in downtown Las Vegas. In 1985, he joined Bally’s Casino on the Strip, where he worked until 1992. When MGM Grand opened in December 1992, Michael became a floor supervisor, highly respected by his colleagues, especially in the High Limit Mansion Casino. In December of 2005, he joined the opening management team at Encore Las Vegas, where he worked until 2022. Over all of these years, Michael developed innumerable strong friendships that endured for the rest of his life.

Michael was best known for his innate need to do the right thing and for always putting others first. He dedicated his life to ensuring his family had a safe and comfortable home. His generous spirit and caring nature touched all who knew him.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, November 11, 2024 beginning at 2pm, with a Celebration of Life to follow from 3-5pm, all at Palm Southwest Mortuary, 7979 W. Warm Springs Rd., Las Vegas.