May 9, 1931 - June 27, 2015

It is with deep regret that the Bayport Fire Department announces that Ex Chief Richard Bernhard has answered his last alarm. 

Richard Carl Bernhard, Sr., 84, of Wilmington, died Saturday, June 27, 2015, at his residence. He was born May 9, 1931, in Bayshore, NY, to the late Alf Bernhard and Iva Hinman Bernhard. Richard was a former fire chief and commissioner in Bayport, NY, where he owned his own real estate appraisal business. He was also employed with the savings and loan industry for many years.

Following retirement, he was a volunteer at New Hanover Regional Medical Center and was active at Wrightsville Beach United Methodist Church where he was an usher. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Linda A. Rumbolo. Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Grace Breen Bernhard; Kenneth R. Bernhard (Deborah) and Richard C. Bernhard, Jr.; grandchildren, Erik, Kathleen, Adam, Amanda, and Christina and a son-in-law, Gary Rumbolo.