William Leo Bernard, Jr, of Cuyahoga Falls, OH died peacefully in his sleep May 25, 2018, two weeks shy of his 97th birthday.

Bill was preceded in death by Lula Mae (Deweese) Bernard, his wife of 56 years, and daughter, Judith Rebecca Bernard, of Akron and great-granddaughter, Jane Belle Rodriquez. He is survived by his sister, Marie Constantine of Akron; and sons, William L Bernard lll (Debbie) of Virginia Beach, VA, Robert C Bernard (Sheila) of Carrolton, OH, and Timothy N Bernard (Nancy) of Woodland, CA. Bill was the proud grandfather of Amy (Brandon) Flores, Melissa (Justin) Rodriguez, Patrick (Kaylin) Bernard, Brooke Bernard (Joseph) Carson, Brandon Bernard, and Dustin Campbell; and great-grandchildren, Henry Flores, Wesley Rodriguez, Lula Mae Rodriguez and William Bernard Flores.

Born June 7, 1921 in Worcester, MA to deaf parents, William L. Bernard Sr. and Pearl M (Faucher). Bill grew up in Firestone Park, attended St. Paul Catholic School and Garfield High School, where he ran cross country and track. Bill served in the United States Marine Corps. from 1942 to 1946, as a radio operator in third battalion, G Battery, 13th marines. He was in the first wave that landed on the island of Iwo Jima in the South Pacific on February 19, 1945. He also served in the occupation of Japan until his discharge.

Bill retired from General Tire Rubber Company in 1986 as Manager of Operations. Bill was an accomplished drummer and life long member of the Akron Musicians Union, playing professionally from his teen years into his 80s. He played in a variety of bands including The Clyde Hopkin's Band, in clubs and dancehalls in the Akron area.

Bill was an avid cyclist and runner. He was a long time member of the Akron Bike Club and the Romeos participating in many century and touring events. Bill was a member of The Summit Athletic Club, a Senior Olympics Champion and a Boston Marathon Qualifier.

Bill enjoyed daily lunches at Subway on State Road in Cuyahoga Falls for many years where he was always making new friends, including Elle Novack. A special thank you to Elle for her love and companionship the last nine years, and to her wonderful family for their friendship and support.

The family also extends a deeply felt thank you to the Danbury Woods Assisted Senior Living Community of Cuyahoga Falls for the loving care extended to our father the last two years. Also a warm thank you to Dave and Yvonne Mclaughlin for their help and support.

Grandpa will be missed. He is remembered for his endless energy, outgoing personality, sense of humor and dedication to his family.

There will be a visitation June 5th from 4-7 PM, at the Hennessy Funeral Home, 552 N. Main Street, Akron. A Funeral Mass will be held June 6th, 11 AM at The Immaculate Heart of Mary, Catholic Church in Cuyahoga Falls with burial to follow at Chestnut Hill Cemetery, Cuyahoga Falls.