Anthony "Tony" William Bernard

Anthony “Tony” William Bernard, 69, of Monrovia, tried his hardest to live to celebrate his 70th birthday, but he unfortunately succumbed to the ravages of Pulmonary Fibrosis on Thursday, August 21, 2025. He was born on September 8, 1955, the only child to the late William James and Mildred (Colbert) Bernard. Growing up in Avon, Tony graduated from Avon High School with the class of 1973. Meeting his future wife, Lee Honea through mutual friends, the two were strongly attracted to each other from the get-go and were united in marriage on October 27, 1985. He first obtained employment at Rexnord, formerly known as Link-Belt and retired from there in 2008. In 2013, he purchased Benchmark Property Services, serving as president for 6 years until he finally called it quits. He retired for the second time to find solace in the quiet country life to supervise the construction of the dream home he and Lee designed. A playful and down-to-earth father, Tony never hesitated to get on his daughter Jaime’s level, regularly rolling on the floor, rough housing, coloring, and loving her throughout her formative years. Later, as a grandpa, he continued these shenanigans with his granddaughter, Zara, often snatching her up by the ankles, hanging her upside down, just for fun. Tony found joy in bowling, tending to his vegetable gardens, and cooking for those he held close to his heart was his love language. He was amazing at smoking pork, frequently making mouthwatering entrees. Casting a line from a boat, he truly enjoyed fishing for fun and competition. Afraid to fly, Lee convinced him to go to Hawaii, and he conquered that fear, never looking back. The two traveled often to several destinations in the Caribbean, and the Florida Keys. A Harley rider at heart, Tony cherished his 2002 Harley Davidson Road King, and Lee purchased her own Harley. The pair rode together exploring the great western plains, attending Sturgis, Glacier National Park, the Grand Canyon, as well as traveling on northern trips to Michigan, Niagara Falls and Maine. A real man’s man, Tony was loyal, caring, stubborn (a trait that was matched perfectly by Lee), had a big heart even though he maintained a macho exterior, and was loyal to all he knew. Determined and full of grit, he spent his recent free time hanging out at the Wilbur Corner Store meeting and greeting all who entered, while gossiping with the locals. He absolutely loved life and his family and was not ready to leave this world. Tony will be forever missed by all who knew and loved him. Tony leaves behind his beloved wife of 39 years, Lee Ann (Honea) Bernard of Monrovia; daughter, Jaime Hein (Josh) of Avon; and grandchildren, Zara Bernard, and Jace Hein. Cremation Arrangements have been entrusted to Light Memorial & Funeral Chapel in Monrovia, and no services are planned at this time. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his memory to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation online by clicking https://secure.qgiv.com/for/pulfibfou/. To share a favorite story, send an online condolence to the family, or light a candle in Tony’s memory please visit his tribute page at www.lightmemorial.com.

Tributes

Anthony "Tony" William Bernard

September 8, 1955 - August 21, 2025