Obituary of Juan Bernard Sr.

Juan Bernard, Sr. transitioned into heaven surrounded by his dearest loved ones on Sunday, August 15, 2021. Cuquin, as he was lovingly called, was 80 years old and embodied the spirit of the Bernard family.

Juan moved to Vineland, NJ in the late 1950s and was a long-time member of the community. He retired as a foreman of the once Kimble Glass\Owens-Illinois, to then be surrounded by students at Marie Durand & Dr. John Winslow Elementary School where he served as a security guard for many years. The native from Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico was known as a generous man with a big heart who loved golfing, fishing, playing dominoes, and of course, the New York Yankees. There is no doubt that no one had the creative sway of Cuquin Bernard. Together with Enoelia, his forever salsa and merengue partner, they would dance the night away, mesmerizing everyone with the precision of their moves. Juan Bernard, Sr. is dancing in heaven now.

He is survived by his beautiful wife of 56 years, Enoelia (Eno) Bernard, and their four children Juan Bernard, Jr. (Mimi), Lisa Lucena (Justo), Omaira Bernard, and Robert Bernard (Rebecca). His grandchildren and great grandchildren were amongst his most treasured gifts: Kristina Bernard-Minguela (Matt), Krystal Santiago (A.J.), Jessica Lucena, Sabrina Lucena, Jeremiah Rodriguez, John Rodriguez, Victoria Rodriguez, Natalie Lucena, Luke Bernard, Matthew Lucena, and his great grandchildren: Aiden Santiago, Jace Santiago, and Avery Minguela. He will also be missed by Benji, his fur baby.

His departure was preceded many years ago by his father Victorio Bernard, his mother Maria Sanabria and more recently his sister, Elba Bernard. Felicita Solis remains his only living sibling and he will forever be Tío Cuquin to his nieces, great nieces and great nephews.

Juan Bernard, Sr. will no longer be physically present, but his legacy and love for family will always live on. We will never forget the many family vacations and all the moments filled with contagious laughter. Traveling together is a tradition we will seek to do in his honor for many years to come.

One of Juan's favorite phrases was, "I feel like a diamond" and that has never been truer. Cuquin, you are a diamond refined by God, shining down from heaven upon us, a fighter till the end who ran tirelessly and now has won the race (2 Timothy 4:7). Those who knew you will never forget you. As your family we will always honor you, as a loving husband and father.

With love, Enoelia, Jungo, Lisa, Omaira, and Robert.

Relatives and friends will be received on Friday, August 20 th from 6:00pm until 8:00pm at DeMarco-Luisi Funeral Home, 2755 S. Lincoln Ave., Vineland and again on Saturday, August 21st from 9:00am until 9:45am at Divine Mercy Parish/St. Francis Church, 23 W. Chestnut Ave., Vineland, followed by a funeral mass at 10:00am. Entombment will follow in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Vineland. Please follow CDC guidelines and wear a mask.