Andrew Bernhard

Andrew (Andy) Bernhard , of Peabody, MA, former Assistant Principal in the New York City school system, passed away February 27, 2016 at the age of 93.

Andy will be remembered as a man who lived life to the fullest, but always as a humble hero. Seriously wounded during his World War Two Army service in Germany, he never sought a medal. A man of principles and ideals, he fought for civil rights and human rights...he spoke out against war and the spread of nuclear weapons.

A highly respected educator and administrator, he served in some of the most challenging districts in Brooklyn. He worked tirelessly to improve opportunities for his students--and they loved him for it. Even after retirement, he ran continuing education seminars at Brooklyn College exploring the pros and cons of nuclear power.

With his life-long soulmate and loving wife Shirley, Andy would spearhead the founding of the group SNAP, Stop Nuclear Arms Proliferation. The couple created the Peace Essay contest, an annual borough-wide student competition. He would keep teaching, and learning, as they moved first to a retirement community in Boynton Beach, Florida and then to their current home at Brooksby Village in Peabody, Massachusetts.

He and Shirley lived their love daily, from their first meeting at neighboring Catskills bungalow colonies, building a partnership of the heart that for nearly 67 years was the very essence of "a good marriage." A good man, a good husband and father, truly a good soul…he will be missed by his adoring family and an extraordinary circle of friends.

Andy is survived by his beloved wife Shirley, daughter Barbara and husband Larry (NY), son Jeffrey and wife Susan (MA), granddaughter Rebecca and fiancé Pat (MA), sister Joan and husband Marty (OH), sister Joan and husband Walter (NY), sister Laura and husband Bob (MI), numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

The family would like to thank the aides, nurses and staff of Rose Court, Brooksby Village, Peabody, MA for the exceptional care they gave Andy.

A Graveside service will be held at New Montefiore Cemetery, 1180 Wellwood Ave, West Babylon, NY at 11am on Monday, March 7, 2016.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the American Parkinson Disease Association, 72 E Concord St, Boston, MA 02118.

March 07, 2016
11:00 AM

New Montefiore Cemetery
1180 Wellwood Ave
West Babylon, NY 11704