Richard J Bernardi Sr.

Rick was born on September 21, 1930 to the late William J and Maria Anne Bernardi of Everett, MA.

Rick was a fun loving, charismatic person that was always the life of the party. He had a personality that could fill a room.

Rick served in the United States Marines Corps and after he got out of the service started his professional career as a drummer. Rick was the drummer for the Voxpoppers, a Doo Wop band in the 50’s. Their song “Wishing for Your Love” charted at #18 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1958. They appeared on Dick Clark’s American Bandstand on March 29, 1958 with Fats Domino, Don Gibson, and Joni James. After he left the Voxpoppers, he continued to play with various bands throughout his life even stealing the show at his 80th birthday when he sat in for the drummer at his party.

Rick loved being around family and got great pleasure from hearing that his grandchildren were doing well in school.

Rick enjoyed ball room dancing and roller skating with his wife Lorraine. Actually he loved doing anything with Lorraine.

Rick is survived by his loving wife, Lorraine Bernardi of Lynn, sister, Theresa Peterson of Saugus, MA, children, Robert Sullivan of Barrington, NH, Richard Bernardi Jr. and his wife Marci of Salem, NH, Rachel Lewis of Haverhill, MA, Jason Bernardi of Everett, MA, step son, Stephen Palleschi and his wife Karen of Pembroke, NH, grandchildren, Paige, Amanda, Kevin, Jessica, Ricky III, Caitlyn, Jake, Jason, Emily, and Matthew. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

He was predeceased by his late wife Rexanne Bernardi, daughter Sheriann Johanson, siblings William, Robert, Rose, Anne, Virginia, and Mary.

As an expression of sympathy, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Below are the videos of Rick's band were he was the drummer for the Voxpoppers, a Doo Wop band in the 50’s.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tkrz4Wb7uIY&feature=youtu.be

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O5BEs0_8Zwo&feature=youtu.be

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t9Vp1ztybrA&feature=youtu.be