John Joseph Bernard, Sr.

John Joseph Bernard, Sr., 88, of Chester died Saturday, February 22, 2014. He was born in Lowell, MA, the son of the late Joseph E. and Bertha Reynolds Bernard. He graduated from Lowell Technological Institute with a Bachelor of Science in Textile Chemistry. John began his career at Rohm and Haas in Philadelphia and later worked as a research chemist for many years at Firestone in Hopewell. After retirement he enjoyed a second career with Chesterfield County in the Real Estate Assessor’s Office. He was also very active and was a past president of the Chester Lions Club. John was a lifelong racing and car enthusiast. In his younger days he raced his MG-TF and his Turner car at Elkhart Lake, Watkins Glen, and Mid-Ohio. He is survived by his wife, Carol Byrnes Bernard; two sons, John Bernard (Lynn) and Richard Bernard (Marjean); three daughters, Lisa Kelley (Bob), Suzanne Burke (Brad), and Carolyn Cutright (Jeff); 14 grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter. A memorial service will be held at St. Luke Evangelical Lutheran Church, 7757 Chippenham Parkway, Richmond, VA 23225 on Tuesday, March 4, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions be made in John’s memory to Smile Train, PO Box 96231, Washington DC, 20090-6231. Condolences may be registered online at www.jtmorriss.com .