Ralph Leo Bernard Jr.

Ralph Leo Bernard Jr., 82, passed away peacefully on May 10, 2026 surrounded by the family he loved and who were devoted to him throughout his life. The timing of his passing felt especially meaningful to those who knew him best, as his mother Florence held a special place in his heart as she helped shape his values of faith, generosity, humility, and devotion which defined his life.

Born on January 20, 1944 in Barberton, OH, Ralph was loyal, generous and deeply devoted to his faith, family and community. 

Ralph was dedicated to St. Sebastian Church in Akron, Archbishop Hoban High School ('62), St. Vincent-St. Mary High School, and Our Lady of the Elms School believing strongly in the power of faith and Catholic education. 

Ralph built a distinguished career in Northeast Ohio in banking systems management, and construction. After graduating from Walsh College he began his professional career at Akron City Hospital and later Babcock & Wilcox before moving into the banking industry during the technological transformative eras from the 1970s through 1990s for Central National Bank, Society, and KeyCorp. Known as a calm and trusted problem solver. He approached his work with discipline, precision, and responsibility.

In 1999, Ralph returned to his family roots by joining the Bernard Company in Akron, Ohio the company founded by his grandfather in 1915. There, he helped oversee development and construction projects in the community his family had called home for generations. He was a member the Association of General Contractors, AGC, Akron Division.

Ralph's legacy lives on through the family he loved, the people he helped, the students he supported, and the example he set through a lifetime of humility, responsibility, generosity, and quiet service to others. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered. 

A special thank you to his around the clock caregivers especially Carol, Kaylee, Kayla, Fallon, Teresa, Stephanie, Sydney and Debbie. We thank you for not only for caring for Ralph but your love and support throughout the past few years.

Ralph Bernard is survived by his son, Adam Bernard; his daughter, Angela (Bernard) Craig and son-in-law Patrick Craig; his beloved grandchildren, Leo Craig and Lucy Craig; his loving sister, Regina Dain, and her husband Anthony Dain; and their children Martin (Jaime), Gina, Colleen (Adam), Patricia, Mary (Mathew), and Anthony. He is proceeded in death by his beloved St. Bernard's, Candy, Abigail, Missy, Monk, Smokey and Bandit.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, May 15, 2026 at 6:30 PM at St. Sebastian Catholic Church, 476 Mull Ave, Akron, OH 44320. Friends may call on Thursday, May 14, 3-6 PM at Hummel Funeral Home FAIRLAWN Chapel, 2800 West Market Street Fairlawn, OH 44333. A private family burial will take place in Holy Cross Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the Bernard family would like all donations to be made to the Bernard Foundation at Archbishop Hoban High School, Our Lady of the Elms High School, St. Vincent St. Mary High School or St. Sebastian School.