Ryan William Bernard, 22, of Rexmont, went home to be with his Lord on Tuesday, August 23, 2022.
He was born to Bennet J. Bernard and Tonya R. Bernard (nee Leaman) in Lebanon on Wednesday, August 9, 2000. It was one of the brightest days of his family’s life.
Ryan was a 2019 graduate of Cedar Crest High school and recently was employed as an electrician’s apprentice.
Ryan loved to play soccer and did so fervently. More recently, he found joy in fishing and strength training and was looking forward to hunting with friends in the fall. He also was a formidable opponent in ping pong. Many of us who love him have lost to him on the ping pong table; you can be sure that he enjoyed every second of every win. He loved winning, but he also truly cherished knowing that other people were enjoying life. Ryan’s greatest gift was the light in his heart. He thrived on the idea of making people smile, laugh, and feel good about themselves, all the while neglecting his own personal struggles. He had a way about him that enabled him to make everyone feel comfortable, welcome, and validated, especially those who may have needed extra care or encouragement. He sought out those he sensed could use the support or company. He loved hard his friends and family, and that love often was amplified through his world-class hugs, willingness to drop everything to help those in need, and his careful and deliberate guarding of his own inner turmoil. Strong-willed and competitive with a beautifully soft heart and smile, and OH SO funny . . . that was our Nard, our beloved Ry-guy.
In addition to his parents, he is survived by siblings Susan E. Bernard, Dayna M. Bernard, Bennet D. Bernard and his wife Lauren E. C. Bernard, and Cailie J. Bernard; grandparents Carole Bernard and Glenn and Jane Leaman; and so many aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends, all who love and miss him very much.
An Open Fellowship Gathering with light refreshments and opportunities to visit with the family will be held from 6-7 pm on Monday, August 29th. A Memorial Service will take place starting at 7 pm. All are invited. Both gatherings will be held at Cornerstone Christian Fellowship, 515 Cumberland Street, Lebanon, PA 17042.
In addition to free street parking after 5 pm, the following lots are available for parking.
· Roland Funeral Home: 508 Cumberland St, Lebanon, PA 17042 (Parking access via 5th Street), The Mansion on Fifth: 450 Cumberland St, Lebanon, PA 17042 (Parking access via 5th Street / Walton St Alley), Fulton Bank: 555 Willow St, Lebanon, PA 17042.
Expressions of sympathy may be made in whichever way you wish. In remembrance of Ryan’s life – and in hope of helping others – the family asks that any charitable donations be made to Cornerstone Christian Fellowship. Any donated funds will go towards organizations that provide access and resources for mental health and suicide prevention.
