Rev. Bernard Frank Engelhardt

Rev. Bernard Frank Engelhardt, 91, of Berwick, went to be with the Lord, Thursday October 1, 2020 at his residence surrounded by his family.

He was born on July 10, 1929 in Buffalo, New York, a son of the late William Frederick and Mildred (Schaffer) Engelhardt. He attended schools there and graduated from Bennett High School. During the summer he worked at Adam Meldrum and Anderson Department Store.

In the fall he entered Wagner College on Staten Island. While there he met “forever friends” Richard Baller and James A. Harrison. Upon graduation he entered the Philadelphia Lutheran Seminary along with Rev. Dr. James A. Harrison. A year ago Bernie celebrated his 65th anniversary of ordination. His first churches were St. Peter’s in Ashland, PA and St. James in Lavelle, PA.

His next call was to Grace Lutheran Church, Berwick, Pa. While there he directed the congregation in the building of a Parish House which is as lovely today as when it was built. While in Berwick he met and married his future wife, Elaine Fowler, July 2, 1960 was their wedding date. This past July they celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. A call was given to him to be Pastor of St. John Lutheran Church in Mt. Wolf, PA. While there the couple was blessed with two sons, Stephen and David. Bernard chose to retire in 1994. At which time they returned to Berwick to care for Elaine’s mother, Florence Fowler. For a time Bernard became Visitation Pastor at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.

In addition to church life he joined the Lions Club and joined the Berwick Historical Society. People will remember him with his faithful hospital and home visitations, his warm demeanor, and broad smile which welcomed all.

Stephen lives in Berwick and helped greatly with his father’s care. David lives in Maryland with his wife Michelle and sons Eric and Ben. Bernard is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and their families.

Bernard was preceded in death by his parents as well as his sister Reta and her husband Robert Eber.

Services will be Monday October 5, 2020 at 11:00 am at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 1600 Fowler Ave, Berwick, PA 18603 with Pastor John Koons and Bishop Barbara Collins officiating. Burial will follow at Pine Grove Cemetery. Family will receive friends from 10:00 am until time of service at the church.

Family and friends may send online condolences to jameslhinckleyjrfuneralhome.com. The James L. Hinckley Jr. Funeral Home and Cremation Services Inc., 1024 Market St., Berwick is handling arrangements.

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