Feb 4, 2014

McDonald man was self-taught musician

William A. “Bill” Bernhart, 83, of McDonald, died Tuesday, February 4, 2014, in his home.

He was born May 8, 1930, in Oakdale, a son of the late William J. and Mary Bartins Bernhart.

Mr. Bernhart was a graduate of McDonald High School and attended Mt. Union College on a football scholarship. He was a member of St. Alphonsus Roman Catholic Church and was a local business owner, until his retirement 20 years ago.

He enjoyed playing golf, working in the yard, doing crossword puzzles and listening to big band music. He was a self-taught musician, learning to play the trumpet and organ, and played in Bobbie Vinton’s father’s band as a trumpet player. Mr. Bernhart was a local historian of the McDonald area, and enjoyed communicating with people from all over through the internet. One would call him a “Renaissance Man.”

Surviving are his wife of 60 years, Jackie Deliere Bernhart; son William Bernhart of Scott Township; granddaughter Rebecca Gregg of Lancaster; brother Robert (Carol) Bernhart of Mt. Lebanon; sister-in-law Linda Bernhart of Ohio; aunt Stella Williams of McDonald; and many nieces and nephews.

Deceased are a daughter, Doria L. Gregg, who died November 28, 2009, and a brother, Donald Bernhart.

Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday in Thomas-Little Funeral Service Inc., 314 West Lincoln Avenue, McDonald, 724-926-2800. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday, February 8, in St. Alphonsus R.C. Church, 219 West Lincoln Avenue, McDonald.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Alphonsus R.C. Church or American Cancer Society. A guest book is available at thomas-littlefuneralservice.com.