Bernie Barczak: His Was A Life Well Lived!

Yesterday we said goodbye to our dear friend Bernie Barczak who passed away last Saturday.

Bernie was a warm and engaging person who really didn't seem to have an enemy in the world. He lived life according to a set of rules rooted in his faith, his neighborhood, his ethnic heritage and his love of people, places and enriching experiences. His story is a story worth knowing. And though he probably wouldn't want us to say this, it's also a story that's instructive and inspiring.

From his obituary:

Bernie was born on November 12, 1942 in Philadelphia, PA. He spent his childhood at Front and Carpenter Streets living with his grandparents, uncle Johnny (Unkie), parents, sister, and brother. He lived in a Polish neighborhood with a lot of family and friends near-by. He loved playing on the playground at Shot Tower, summers in the hydrant, and attending St. Stanislaus School with his best friend since Kindergarten, Eddie Wroblewski.

On October 12, 1953, Bernie contracted polio. He was the last patient in Philadelphia with the disease. Polio was a challenge he never mentioned, a great source of humor and fantastical stories (October 12, being a Barczak family holiday celebrated every year as "Buzzard Day"), and how he lived with polio inspired so much admiration in everyone he met. He traveled the world on crutches and a brace: most recently visiting Canada on the Rocky Mountaineer with family, Mexico with dear friends, California with his usual travel companions, and London for Thanksgiving with family and friends. He even traversed the stone ruins of Pompeii on crutches.

Bernie attended St. John Neumann High School and LaSalle University. On July 4, 1965, he met a beautiful brunette on the boardwalk in Atlantic City. It was love at first sight and they were married in her hometown of Reno, Nevada, on February 12, 1966.

Bernie loved all things Philly: cheesteaks, water ice, Walt's crabs, Levi's Hotdogs, The Big-Five, street corners, stick ball, Polish food, oldies music, The Phillies, and The Flyers. But mostly he loved the Philadelphia Eagles. A season ticket holder since 1966, 2018 was the season of his dreams. His favorite place on earth was sitting on the Smith's deck in Ocean City, NJ, watching the waves with the sun in his face. His favorite people were his family and the perfect day was one "down the shore" with "Mare", "Leese", his adored son-in-law "Joey", and his 4 grandkids…and oh, and Manco and Manco pizza!

"And wouldn't it be nice to live together, In the kind of world where we belong?" -The Beach Boys. Bernie believed that and lived life with an open heart and hand. He could strike up a conversation with any stranger, although it was hard to find someone he didn't know.

To honor him and his legacy, laugh, smile at a stranger, give a compliment, open a door for someone, love life, and cherish the time we have together. Put on some Roy Orbison, The Four Seasons, Beach Boys, or Jimmy Buffet with your feet in the sand, and sing and dance. He would love that. Be like Bernie: never pass up a chance to say, "I love you." Be generous with your hugs and kisses. Laugh easily. Be brave. Forgive. Call your friends once a week. Make your friends, family.