Elio P. “Al” Bernardini

Passed from this life to God’s care on July 13, 2016. He died 24 days prior to his 96th birthday. The son of the late Ulysses and Marianna Bernardini, Al was the beloved husband to Dina Bernardini for more than 68 years. He was the loving father of Donna (Tom) Dillon, Denise (Chuck) Rundle and Diana (Bob) Andreatta. He was also the loving grandfather of Andrea Soto, Patrick Dillon, Sean Dillon, Christopher Bernardini, Stephanie (Brett) Demetris, Mari Andreatta and Gina Andreatta. On June 28 of this year he became the great grandfather to Rhea Demetris.

A native San Franciscan (and a very proud Italian) Al grew up in North Beach, where he was a Salesian Boy at St’s. Peter and Paul Parish. He graduated from Galileo High School in 1939. He began his apprenticeship as an electrician shortly after his graduation. During the early years of World War II he worked in the Hunters Point Shipyards. In 1944 he was drafted into the Army and served as an MP in France during the closing months of the War and the months following it.

Discharged from the Army in 1946, he returned to work as an electrician. He married Dina Del Chiaro in 1948 and they raised their daughters, first in Merced and later in San Francisco. In 1976 he and Dina moved to Burlingame. Since that time he and Dina lived in Foster City, Burlingame and San Mateo. He retired in 1982 and enjoyed good health for most of the years since. He and Dina traveled the world during his long retirement. For more than 20 years he was a prominent member of the Peninsula Social Club, an organization of people of Italian heritage. He took great pride in being a 75 year member of IBEW Local 6. Over a 50+ year period he bowled in numerous leagues. He was also an avid golfer.

Al will be best remembered for his authenticity, his generosity and his wonderful sense of humor. Loyal to a fault, the center of Al’s life was his family and friends. There was scarcely a person who knew him and wasn’t drawn to him. He leaves behind many friends in both the Bay Area and Merced. Most important, his family (particularly his grandchildren) idolized him. He was in the best sense the “Pater Familias” and he will be greatly missed.

The family wishes to especially thank Miles Bautista and Mission Hospice for their aid and care to Al in his last days.

Friends and family are invited to attend a Memorial Mass on Monday, July 25, 2016 at 10:30 AM at St. Mathews Catholic Church, 1 Notre Dame Ave, San Mateo, CA 94402.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to your favorite charity.