Bernard Hurley Driber

Bernard H. Driber, 86, of Toms River, NJ, passed away on May 29th, 2017, at his daughter’s home. Born in Trenton, NJ, in 1930, he lived in Chesterfield, NJ, from 1960 to 1974, when he moved to Toms River. A proud Korean War veteran, he served in the Navy from 1949 to 1953, where he earned the Purple Heart when his ship “The Barton” was torpedoed. Bernard received The Distinguished Service Medal for meritorious service in sea combat in 1952. For 42 years he worked as an Ironworker in Local #373 of the Ironworkers Union in Perth Amboy, NJ.

An enthusiastic sailor from the age of 9 when he built his first sailboat, Bernard retired in 1990 and sailed “Lutine” to Georgetown in the Bahamas. For 18 years, he became friends of many Bahamians and other sailors as well. In 1996, he won the Cruising Regatta Sailboat Race in Great Exuma, Bahamas, while sailing “Resles”, a boat owned by his dear friend Bob Lostrom. In 2004, he won the Race again sailing his own boat “Lutine”. A carpenter, electrician, plumber, and electronics man; Bernard could fix anything in his home or on his sailboats. He was a long-time member of Toms River Yacht Club and St. Joseph Church in Toms River.

Bernard was predeceased by his beloved wife Laura Thompson Driber; his sisters: Rita Durr, Rita Fulper, and Claire Wagner; and his brothers: Thomas and Lester Driber. He is survived by his two daughters: Patricia and her husband Stephen Beddia of Egg Harbor Township,and Susan and her husband Thomas Manion of Mays Landing; his stepchildren: William and Lori Thompson, and Drew and Patricia Thompson; and his loving grandchildren: Natale Cozzolongo and his wife Kathleen of Jersey City, Caitlin and her husband Brian Bender of Laurel, Md, Allen Brower and his wife Lauren of Toms River, Alex Thompson of Toms River, and Danny Thompson of Toms River; and one great-grandchild: Leo Cozzolongo of Jersey City.

Visitation will be Thursday, June 1st, from 9:00 AM until the service at 11:00 AM, at the Anderson & Campbell Funeral Home, 703 Main Street, Toms River, NJ 08753. Cremation will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to Compassus Hospice, 1955 Highway 34, suite 1A, Manasquan, NJ 07719. Family and friends are invited to visit www.andersonandcampbell.com to leave condolences to his family.