BERNHART WILLIAM A. Bill, 83, of McDonald, died Tuesday, February 4, 2014, in his home. He was born May 8, 1930, in Oakdale, a son of the late William J. and Mary (Bartins) Bernhart. Mr. Bernhart graduated from McDonald High School and attended Mt. Union College on a football scholarship. Bill enlisted in the Navy in 1949 and was stationed in Key West, where he served for President Truman. He was honorably discharged in 1956. Following his active service years, he returned to McDonald, whereupon he met his companion for life, Jackie Deliere of Cecil. After a whirlwind three month courtship and marriage, Bill started his family in McDonald. He was a member of St. Alphonsus R. C. Church and was a local business owner until his retirement 20 years ago. He traveled extensively, but always returned to McDonald, where he enjoyed playing golf, working in the yard, doing crossword puzzles, listening to big band music. He was a self-taught musician, learning to play the trumpet and organ and played in Bobbie Vinton's father's band as a trumpet player. Mr. Bernhart was a local historian of the McDonald area and enjoyed communicating with people all over through being active on the internet. One would call him a Renaissance Man. Surviving are his wife of 60 years, Jackie (Deliere) Bernhart; son, William Bernhart of Scott Twp.; granddaughter, Rebecca Gregg of Lancaster, PA; brother, Robert (Carol) Bernhart of Mt. Lebanon; sister-in-law, Linda Bernhart of Ohio; aunt, Stella Williams of McDonald; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Doria L. Gregg (Nov. 28, 2009); and brother, Donald Bernhart (Dec. 28, 2011). Friends will be received Friday 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. in the THOMAS-LITTLE FUNERAL SERVICE, INC., 314 W. Lincoln Avenue, McDonald, (724-926-2800). A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday at 10 a.m. in the St. Alphonsus R.C. Church, 219 W. Lincoln Avenue, McDonald. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Alphonsus R.C. Church or the Cancer Society. Please sign the guestbook at: thomas-littlefuneralservice.com Send condolences at post-gazette.com/gb
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