The world lost a great man on Thursday, November 16th. My father, Bernardino, passed away after spending his last weeks in the hospital fighting an infection. He was an inspiration to us all; a great mind, a hard worker, and a devoted servant of God.

He immigrated from Guatemala to the US in the late 80s in pursuit of a better life for us all. He spent many years abroad as a sailor before that, and often told stories of the exotic locales his profession took him. He looked back on his time as a sailor very fondly - always telling stories of his time in places like Bermuda and Portugal and Liverpool, up until he fell ill. He possessed great knowledge, and we were happy to listen to his lessons.

Life at sea is not easy and he took great pride in the work ethic that got him through those times. That was always how he defined himself - a hard worker. He set an example that the people in his life were sure to look up to. He was grateful for the opportunities given to him, and tried to make the most of his abilities and his skills.

My father would like to be remembered for his dedication to his family. He was many things to many people, and wore those titles with honor. To me and my siblings, he was (and always will be) a loving father; To his grandchildren, a much adored Abuelito; To his nephews and nieces, a reliable and trustworthy uncle. Despite living to old age, he was still a little brother to his 3 elder sisters. He left big shoes to fill, and his relationships within our extended family are just too varied to list completely

None of us were prepared for his passing, and we need financial assistance laying him to rest. A lifelong Catholic, it was his wish to be honored with the appropriate ceremony according to his Faith. The total amount raised would go towards paying the costs associated with his wake, funeral, and burial. Any and all assistance is greatly appreciated. My father was a great man who touched the lives of countless people - please help us honor his memory