Robert M. Bernardo Sr.

July 14, 1952 - July 19, 2025

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visitation

Egizi Funeral Home

119 Ganttown Road

Turnersville, NJ 08012

(856) 227-9500 |

Saturday 7/26, 10:00 am - 11:30 am

service

Egizi Funeral Home

119 Ganttown Road

Turnersville, NJ 08012

(856) 227-9500 |

Saturday 7/26, 11:30 am

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.

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Egizi Funeral Home

119 Ganttown Road

Turnersville, NJ 08012

(856) 227-9500 | Map

Saturday 7/26, 10:00 am - 11:30 am

Egizi Funeral Home

119 Ganttown Road

Turnersville, NJ 08012

(856) 227-9500 | Map

Saturday 7/26, 11:30 am

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 andContinue Reading

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God Bless you and the family

Bob "The Bruiser" Bernardo was a larger than life person both in personality and stature. My first encounter with Bob was in 1977 when I became a rookie guard at the Crest Beach Patrol. One early crisp cool summer morning morning while walking to my assigned chair Bob approached me and asked about my musical likes and what I did at night. If I had a second job as many of us did during the summer months in the Wildwoods. I tol him about what music I enjoyed and about my record collection. After about 5 minutes of talking he said "great, meet me at Grande's Cafe on Rio Grande Ave. At 10pm, I want to show you how to DJ" I was like okay sure. Not knowing what to expect. See I was 16 never been in a bar like that ever! So I get there Bob is up in the Dj booth that sat up high looking over the circular bar and just to the left was a dance area. So Bob shows we the ins and outs of how to physically play records. How to handle them 45s and 12 inch as well as LPs. Bob had a tremendous record collection espcially his MOTOWN 45s and all the Philly Classic Soul and Dance records. He went through the 45s especially and said I would be using this box the most. I took to it so fast and easily was enthralled to say the least. So the rest of that Summer 77. He introduced me to the Owners Bob and Mike. I was to show at at 9pm and play until midnight and Bob would then finish the night at 5am! Yes the bars were open until 5am! Bob knew all the hits and music for his crowd mostly from the South Philly area they were fantastic crowd to play music for. This place GRANDE'S was a sight to see and be part of especially END OF THE WORLD PARTY on Labor Day Weekend. If you know then you know. Later that same summer I told my brother Jeff about what inward doing and to come in and be part of it. It was incredible experience for both of us as we learned how to DJ and read the crowd and make lasting memories. Bob would in a few years decide to stop Djing and give the job to me and my brother Jeff. We would both to go on and have very successful careers as Djs in clubs. Many many weddings and other events. I still DJ a few times a month and had a very successful career in the Music Industry. I have always held Bob responsible for my success in the DJ Music career. Without Bob's willingness to offer me a chance to expand my passion for music and become a DJ, my life would not have taken the roads and experiences it has. He was one of the few adults that offered my an opportunity to enhance and change the trajectory of my future. Im sad to not get a chance to tell him personally about my musical life and how important he was in being an incredible catalyst for my life. I Love You Bob, I kiss your beautiful face and smile knowing I've had a chance to be mentored by a wonderful person. Rest well my friend for you have done more than most and be highly regarded as such. Your friend and fellow DJ, Lance Walden

We were the girls from Akron Ohio. We have such fond memories of Bob. He spun records at Grandes we knew him in the late 70’s early 80’s. He was such a big part of our lives. He to us was a friend, a lifeguard, and someone to talk to when you were down. Looked forward to this Wildwood nights! You will be missed!

We worked for 3 fun years and sat the next stand to him my last year, that was a fun year 1975 In 1976 while I working the STING DISCO in the 34 st Hilton and I called to see if he would DJ for us He did and we had so many for good time

Bobby was an old friend from my days at the McCloskey Elementary school in Mount Airy. Even then, he was a nice guy as well as extremely athletic. My father went to school with and knew his father, and I was acquainted with his older brother Billy. Bobby tried very hard to get me, an ungainly extremely unathletic type to play in neighborhood. Pick up basketball games. The only basket I ever scored in a neighborhood. Basketball game was due to Bobby’s intervention. I was almost 6 feet tall in sixth grade and towered over all of my classmates. I will never forget one time Bobby picked me to play on his side in a game in the playground and made me the center. I basically did a little more than block shots. However, there was one occasion on which he tossed the ball to me and said, “ Here, Gar, take a shot.” I turned around, threw up the ball on lo and behold, it went through the basket! He gave me a pat on the back and said “way to go.“ that was over 60 years ago and I still remember it like it was yesterday. I have Bobby to thank for my one moment of athletic glory and I know that his memory will be a blessing to all who know him as it is for me. I know that he will rest in peace.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Our condolences to the Bernardo family. You are in our thoughts and prayers. We wish you all comfort during these times. We love you, Justin & Michelle Jones

I would not still be on WCBP if it were not for folks like Bob. An intelligent mentor that helped me through my waning and waxing years on the beach which included the fun and laughter that the early years provided, I hope that all of Bob's family recognize his contributions to our organization in friendship and leadership, along our time together.

I started life guarding the same year as Bob, 1971. He was always kind. We were both from Philly so we could talk sports and we always had city-stories to share as well. May his memory be a blessing.

Sending love and strength to the family. Rest in paradise Mr. Bernardo

My condolences to Chris and his family.

Sending deepest condolences to the Bernardo family. Bobby was one of a kind who is one of the greatest Temple Owls we will ever know. RIP Bobby.

Sending prayers and love to Bob’s family. Bob and I worked at Winslow High together and Bob had one of the greatest football minds. He could break down a football game on film better than anyone I have ever met. I have many fond memories and a few that make me laugh out loud to this day. Rest in peace, Coach.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.