ROBERT ARNOLD BERNDT

May 22, 1955 - April 16, 2022

Robert “Bernie” Berndt, loving husband, uncle, and father, passed away April 16, 2022 at age 66. Bernie, a Riverside native, attended Palm Elementary and Sierra Middle School. He graduated from Ramona High School in 1973.

In 1981 he married Cathleen Goodgame Berndt. Together they raised daughter Sarah and son James before being promoted to Papa and Grams. Bernie had a passion for family, community, classic rock, and fast cars. After many years of soccer games and school carpools, he finally tradedin his Chevy Astro Van for his first Corvette. Over the next two decades he upgraded three more times until revving the engine on his signature bright orange 2016 model. One of his greatest joys over the past 10 years was introducing his granddaughters to the ins and outs of every nook and cranny of Disneyland.

He was a self-taught engineer and went on to benefit his community, beginning with his first cross gutter on Magnolia Avenue at McCray. He went on to design Tri City Corporate Center, numerous residential developments, and Riverside’s Bonaminio Park, with his final 15 years at Webb and Assoc.

He was preceded in death by his parents Bill and Virginia, and brother William. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by his wife Cathy, his children Sarah (Michael) and James, nieces Kimberly (Patricia) and Kristine (Andrew), sister-in-law Norette Goodgame Gilbert, 3 granddaughters, extended family and dear friends.

A Celebration of Life for family and friends will be held in early June. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial “Gift from the Heart” donation to Habitat for Humanity.