Joseph Ellis Bernard, Jr.'s Obituary
Joseph Ellis Bernard, Jr. passed away February 5, 2008 at home surrounded by his loving wife and his friends after a long battle with cancer. He was 64.
Joseph was a native of New Orleans, he lived his early years in Arnaudville, Louisiana. A resident of Covington, Louisiana for the past 9 years.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Andrea Bernard, his daughter Monette Garon and her husband Richard, his sons Ellis Bernard and Wesley Clark and two grandchildren Rance Robertson and Ricky Garon. He was preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Georgia Bernard.
Joseph was a 1964 graduate of Alcee Fortier High School. He completed the New Orleans Police Academy in 1968 and retired from the New Orleans Police Department in 1983. He later joined the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office in 1987 and retired in 1999. While at the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office he actively organized neighborhood watch associations and promoted participation in National Night Out Against Crime. He was also a founder of Community Action for St. Tammany (C.A.S.T.) which organized sock hops for children to fund local D.A.R.E. programs in the 1990’s.
Joseph was a founding member of the Police Association of New Orleans (PANO) and served as their first Treasurer. He was also a member of the Fraternal Order of Police and a 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus Council 12072 and a parishioner of Mary Queen of Peace Catholic Church. He was a faithful friend of Bill W. for the past 13 years.
Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the funeral mass on Saturday, February 9, 2008 at 10:00 AM from the chapel of Mary Queen of Peace 1501 W. Causeway Approach Mandeville, LA 70471. Visitation on Friday, February 8, 2008 from 6:00-9:00 PM from E.J. Fielding Funeral Home 2260 West 21st Ave Covington, LA 70433 and on Saturday AT THE CHURCH from 9:00 AM until service time.
Masses or a donation to the American Cancer Society or the charity of your choice in his name is preferred.
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