Joseph Bernath

Jamestown, RI - Joseph Sam Bernath, 82, of Hamilton Avenue, Jamestown, RI, passed away peacefully on March 26, 2012 at home, surrounded by his family. Born on August 17, 1929, Joe was the son of Benjamin and Mary Bernath of Indianapolis, Indiana. He is survived by his wife Anna, of 47 years; his three children, David, Tania and Stephen; and his younger brother Robert Alan Bernath. His three sisters Rose, Florence and Edith, predeceased him. Following his proud service as a 1st Lt in the United States Army, Joe attended both Purdue University and Indiana University earning a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration. In 1960 the native Midwesterner moved east to New York City working several years in Sales Marketing at 3M. He returned to school earning a Masters Degree in Education from New York University and a Masters Degree in Counseling from Manhattan College.Transitioning into education Joe taught Science and Math in White Plains, New York, for over twenty years. Beloved by his students, respected by his peers, Joe was always known for putting the needs of others before his own. An avid sports fan himself, Joe coached youth basketball, soccer and baseball.When not at his home in Chappaqua, NY where he raised his family, he could often be found in his personal hideaway, a craps table in Atlantic City... trying to beat the odds.The date for a June memorial service will be announced soon.