Robert M. Bernardo, Sr., affectionately known as “Coach”, “Bob” or, “The Bruiser”

of Washington Township, Gloucester County, New Jersey, passed at home, surrounded by his loved ones, on Saturday, July 19, 2025.

Born on July 14, 1952 in Abington, PA, to William J. Bernardo, Sr. and Gloria (DePaul), Bob grew up in Philadelphia, PA and spent his summers in Wildwood Crest, NJ.

In 1968, while playing football for his father at Northeast High School, he won the Philadelphia Public League Championship. He soon followed in his father’s football footsteps at Temple University, where he was a 3-year starter and played on the 1973 team that finished 9-1. Following his playing career, he coached at Temple University for 2 years.

In 1971, he began a 13-year lifeguarding career with the Wildwood Crest Beach Patrol, where he regularly won the singles row competition. There, as the lifeguard on Cresse Ave., he met Debra “Debbie” Yeager, his future wife. They were together for 51 years as of Summer 2025.

At the same time, Bob became one of the Greater Philadelphia Area’s first Disco DJs. “Disco Bob” DJ’ed parties and clubs in the Philadelphia and Jersey Shore areas for over 40 years. He also taught Disco dance classes when the genre began to take off in the 70’s. Eventually, he welcomed his two sons into the mix while showing them ropes.

Bob was a dedicated teacher and coach. He taught in Philadelphia and South Jersey from 1974 until 2014. One of his career highlights came when he was the Head Coach of the Bridgeton Bulldogs, and during the 1997 season he helped lead them to their first State Title in 50 years. Later, he became the first Head Coach in Winslow Township High School history and led the school to its first playoff appearance, as well as their first playoff win. A multi-dimensional talent, he also coached Boys Lacrosse, Track & Field, Basketball, and Baseball at the high school level. Finally, he coached Golf and was the NJSIAA Director of South Jersey and Central Jersey Golf Championships from 1995-2002.

Bob loved his children, Temple University (yes, even the football team), the Eagles (Go Birds!) and Phillies (Go Phils!), music, and great movies. Yet, he loved his wife Debra more than anything else. Until his very last day, he would repeatedly inform everyone that “she takes great care of me” and he was so lucky to have her.

He will be remembered by friends and family for his jokes and funny stories; for his knowledge of sports, music and history; for his charm and charisma; and for being one of the most fun, vibrant, and loving people you would ever get the chance to be around.

He is survived by his wife, Debra (née Yeager); sons, Robert (Daryll) and Christopher (Kendal); sister, Michelle Deweese (Dave); sisters-in-law, JoAnn Keeler (Steve) and Gail Yeager (David); and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents and his brothers, William, Jr. and Richard (Marilyn).

Family and friends are invited to attend his visitation on Saturday, July 26, 2025, 10:00 A.M. to 11:30 AM at Egizi Funeral Home, 119 Ganttown Rd., Turnersville, NJ 08012. Celebration of Life 11:30 AM.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Bob’s name to Make-A-Wish® Philadelphia, Delaware & Susquehanna Valley.