Donald James Bernardi

Donald James Bernardi, 95, formerly of Ladd, passed away April 5, 2018 in Brighton, MI. 

Visitation will be in Hurst Funeral Home in Ladd on Thursday from 10:00 AM until 12:30 PM when a rosary will be recited.  Burial will follow in Ladd Cemetery with full military services conducted by the Ladd American Legion Post #938.

Mr. Bernardi was born on February 13, 1923 in Spring Valley to Donald and Mary (Ferraro) Bernardi.  He married the love of his life, Celia Gualandri on May 13, 1950 in St. Benedict’s Church in Ladd.

Ensign Donald Bernardi served as a Gunnery Officer, Loran Officer, Deck Division Officer and Landing Craft Officer aboard the USS Dorthea L. Dix during World War II.  During his 13 years of service with the Navy, Donald was awarded the Victory Ribbon, American Theater Ribbon, Philippine Liberation and Asiatic-Pacific Ribbons.

He enjoyed traveling (especially to Hawaii), photography, fishing, bird-watching and cooking.  He was known to be a handyman and especially enjoyed working on his cars.  He admired his father and worked closely with him in a gas station his father owned in Ladd.  Most importantly, he adored his family and loved spending time with them.  He will be remembered as a funny, kind, and grateful man.

Mr. Bernardi is survived by his wife, Celia Bernardi; children, Donald (Joan) Bernardi, David (Suzy) Bernardi, Barbara (Richard) Alton, Linda (Greg) Mable; siblings, Joseph Bernardi, Marie Giodano; grandchildren, Leah, Caroline, Daniel, Anthony, Francis, Joseph and Angela; many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Bernard Bernardi; sister, Frances Victor.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Donald James Bernardi, please visit our floral store.