Michael, who went by Mike, was born in Hoboken, New Jersey on March 24, 1951, to parents Frank and Jean Bernardo, and had four siblings, Barbara, Frank, Joseph, and Gina, whom he loved dearly. He graduated from Hoboken High School and later received an Associate’s degree in Computer Science from Bergen Community College. Mike spent his career in Information Technology, making impressions on everyone he met, and eventually worked his way up to the role of Director of Technology Services at Footstar, Inc.
In 1984, he met and fell in love with, Denise, he told her she was his missing puzzle piece. They were married in May of 1985. To their marriage, Denise brought her child, Kimberly, who became Mike’s daughter, and was unconditionally loved by him. In 1986, Mike and Denise added a baby boy, Michael Anthony Bernardo, Jr., who wanted to grow up to be just like his dad and worked so hard to make him proud every day.
In 2010, Mike and Denise started a new adventure across country in Las Vegas, Nevada, and were followed by their children and their families shortly thereafter. Mike and Denise started a business together protecting homes for absentee homeowners called The Property Guardians, and later began a second career as Realtors® known as “The Dynamic Duo”. They led a busy life, but always made time for family.
Mike was a strong, loving, kind, compassionate man, with a great sense of humor who could make you smile on the darkest of days. An aspiring Professional Poker Player, he loved to play Texas Hold’em and in his spare time, you could often find him playing in tournaments in the Poker Rooms of Red Rock or South Point, where he won quite often.
Mike was not afraid to show his love, and did so frequently, often through meals which brought everyone together. He was a wonderful cook and was always making something delicious for his family to enjoy. He shared his passion for cooking with Anthony Terry and Megan Bernardo, whom he loved as if they were his own children. It was important for Mike to carry on traditions, preserve his mother and grandmother’s legacy and recipes, and pass them down to his children and grandchildren.
What is most memorable about Mike is how much he loved his family.
Mike Bernardo, Sr. was preceded in death by his sister-in-law Lucy Bernardo, father, Frank Bernardo, father-in-law, Edward DePouli, mother-in-law, Lisette DePouli, and mother, Jean Bernardo.
He is survived by his wife, Denise Bernardo, daughter, Kimberly Terry, son, Michael Bernardo, Jr., son-in-law, Anthony Terry, daughter-in-law, Megan Bernardo, brothers, Frank Bernardo and Joseph Bernardo, sisters Barbara Pera and Gina Lacey, and his 7 grandchildren, Isabella, Mackenzie, Macie, Michael III, Reid, Landon, and Matthew.
There will be a graveside service to honor Mike’s life at Palm Northwest Cemetery, 6701 North Jones Blvd, Las Vegas, on September 9 at 10:00am, with a private viewing for close friends and family at 9:00am.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.palmnorthwest.com for the Bernardo family.
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