DEBERNARD

Lewis Michael DeBernard, 95, passed away peacefully Thursday, Sept. 29, 2011, at Martin Memorial Hospital, in Stuart, Fla.
Services were held at 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 7, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, in Palm City, Fla. His (and his wife’s) remains were buried at the base of the cross following the service. A celebration lunch at the church followed.
Lew was born Jan. 8, 1918, in Washington, D.C., and met the love of his life, Edna Margaret Hebert DeBernard, at the young age of 18 while working special delivery at the U.S. post office in Washington, D.C. After courting for seven years, they were married May 3, 1941, and had recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary.
They both worked for the Potomac Electric Power Company, where Lew became an electrician. For many years they resided in Arlington, Va., where they raised a family and ran an electrical, heating and air conditioning business. They retired to Palm City, Fla., in 1983, residing at Martin Downs. Their loving relationship spanned 77 years. Edna passed away July 20, 2011, and Lew has now joined her.
Lew was a 60-year member of the Masonic Fraternity, Columbia Lodge No. 285 in Arlington. While growing up in Washington, D.C., he was a champion diver. Lew also loved golf. He regularly volunteered for electrical and mechanical projects in his neighborhood, children’s schools and churches.
Lew is survived by his daughter, Cynthia Jean DeBernard Santoro and husband, Ronald, of Portland, Ore.; son, Lewis Michael “Mickey” DeBernard Jr. and wife, Marjorie, of Pinehurst; grandchildren, Christopher Jordan Simmons, Rebecca DeBernard Martin, Rachel Claire DeBernard Daniel and Robert Michael DeBernard; three great-grandchildren, Hannah Claire Martin, Baden Anthony Martin and Alexander Jordan Simmons; sister Delores Atwood; and brothers Freddy DeBernard, Richard DeBernard, Robert DeBernard and Joe DeBernard. In addition to his wife, he was predeceased by his parents, Michael and Tinnie DeBernard; sisters Emma Lynch and Frances Stevens; and brothers Michael DeBernard and William Sheppard.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Immanuel Lutheran Church Youth Group, c/o Pastor Tom Hartley, Immanuel Lutheran Church, 2655 SW Immanuel Drive, Palm City, FL 34990.