Edward L. Bernhardt, age 84 of Vineland, passed away on Saturday, November 25th 2017 in Cooper Hospital/University Medical Center, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born in Millville to the late Edward F. and Beatrice (Mitchell) Bernhardt and lived in Vineland all his life. Edward graduated from Vineland High School Class of 1951 where he was a varsity basketball player. After high school he served as a Corporal in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. Upon returning home he was employed by the State of New Jersey as a Motor Vehicle Examiner before continuing his education at Eckels College of Mortuary Science in Philadelphia. There he proudly graduated top of his class in 1963 and was also awarded the Stephen W. Trimmell award for the highest scholastic average in his class. Edward was employed by his father-in-law EJ Wainwright and alongside his late wife Shirley (Wainwright) together they managed the family business Wainwright-Bernhardt Funeral Home for 54 years. His compassion and gentle kindness was unequivocal.

Ed was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Vineland and Past-President of the Vineland Rotary Club, Past-President of Vineland Service Club Council, Newcomb Hospital Chairman where he organized the Hospital Fair for 2 years. He was a member of the Vineland Chamber of Commerce, active in Boy Scouts fundraising, former Jaycee member, Board member of Vineland Red Cross, Master Mason in good standing of Vineland Lodge #69  F & M, member of the South Jersey Businessman Association, West Jersey Funeral Directors Association and NJFDA.

Ed enjoyed being with his family and bicycling on the Ocean City boardwalk. He was especially proud of his family's accomplishments.

Ed was predeceased by his loving wife of  61 years- Shirley T. (Wainwright) Bernhardt in 2015 and his brother Melvin Bernhardt.

He is loving survived and will be sadly missed by his two sons, Keith E. Bernhardt and wife Rev. Karen, and Kevin D. Bernhardt (Funeral Director) and wife Candice, all of Vineland. Five grandchildren, Keith E. Bernhardt Jr. and his wife Christina of Buena, Jessica (Bernhardt) Kelley and her husband Dr. Brandon, Nicholas Bernhardt, Sarah Bernhardt and Rachel Bernhardt, all of Vineland. Also four great-grandchildren, Matthew, Caroline and Madelyn Bernhardt of Buena and Benjamin Kelley of Vineland, along with his sister Evelyn (Bernhardt) Triantos of Vineland, brother-in-law Charles R. Parrish of the Villages, Fla. and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, December 2nd 2017 at 11:00 AM from the Wainwright-Bernhardt Funeral Home 1024 E. Landis Ave. Vineland, with Rev. Karen W. Bernhardt officiating. Burial will follow in Siloam Cemetery, Vineland.

Family and friends may gather on Friday evening from 6:00-8:00 PM and again on Saturday from 9:30-11:00 AM at the funeral home.

Please visit wbfuneralhome.com to send online condolences to the family.

In lieu of flowers, you may honor Ed's memory by sending a gift to Vineland Rotary Charities P.O. Box 7, Vineland, NJ 08362