Richard F. Bernardo (78) of Marlborough, CT died unexpectedly on April 25th at Yale New Haven Hospital. Rich was also known as Einstein and the Mayor of F Dock.

He was born April 12, 1947 to Rose and Ferd Bernardo. He was the oldest of three children. He attended North Haven High School and graduated from Southern Connecticut State University with a degree in Math and Political Science. He served our country in the Army National Guard. Richard retired from Aetna after 25 years of service as a systems engineer. He was a member of the Manchester Elks Club but his heart and passion was at the Westbrook Elks. He helped them with many projects and enjoyed the Thursday meatloaf and chicken parm lunches.

He was predeceased by his parents.

Richard married the love of his life Carolyn Adamovich in August 1973 after dating for seven years and moved into the home they built in Marlborough Ct. in September 1973 where they continued to live until his death.

Richard is survived by his wife, Sister Elisa Bernardo of Colorado, brother-in law John Tychon (Kathy) Adamovich, niece Kimberly Adamovich Nunes (Telmo), nephews John-Michael Adamovich (Danielle) and Kevin Adamovich (Mary). He is also survived by his great nieces and nephews Sarah Nunes, Emma Adamovich, Dillon Nunes, Jack Adamovich, Ryan and Kyle Adamovich. Also survived by his dear dog Jester.

Richard loved his summers at the marina. His winter blues were over once the boat was in his slip at F Dock 19S. He was known for his American flag on his self-made flag pole that provided wind direction for all the boaters. He would set sail every morning returning in the afternoon and being the great sailor he was, he could dock it by himself. Knowing Carolyn would be worried, he called her faithfully every day at 8am and 5 pm.

Richard was also known for his black shorts, sneakers and no shirt and a dark tan. He would also lend a hand to many of the boaters shaking his head telling them they were going about it the wrong way and he would be right to their dismay.

Richard will always be remembered for his helping hand, Bud, Pepsi, Oreo cookies and his silver corvette.

I would like to give a special thankyou to one of his best friends Bob who was with him til the very end and his other best friend John for getting the corvette home and doing all Rich’s internet searches. You both meant the world to him.

A visitation will be held Thursday May 1st from 9:30 to 11:30 at Celentano Funeral home 424 Elm Street New Haven. Prayer service will begin at 11:30 with burial immediately following at East Side Cemetery in Woodbridge. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Richard’s memory to the Anna Maria Adamovich scholarship fund, C/O Amity Regional High School, 25 Newton Road Woodbridge, CT 06525 Atten. Finance Dept. This scholarship is awarded annually to a Amity Senior pursuing a career in education or computer programming.