Robert Raymond Bernowski, Sr.

A funeral service for Robert Raymond Bernowski, Sr., age 81, of Heath, will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 21, at Heath United Methodist Church, 1149 Hebron Road, Heath with Pastor Jeff Belt officiating. Burial will take place in Fairmount Cemetery where Military Honors will be provided by the Licking County Veterans Alliance.Bob was born November 17, 1933 in Lansing, Ohio to the late Joseph John Bernowski, Sr. and Rose Teresa (Zemba) Bernowski. He passed away on Monday, November 17, 2014 at his home. Bob retired as a Technical Sergeant from the United States Air Force after 22 years of service where he was employed as a Precision Measurement Equipment Laboratory Technician. He faithfully served his country during the Korean Conflict and the Vietnam Era. He also retired from Coca Cola after 20 years where he had worked in production.An active member of the Heath United Methodist Church, Bob served on the Staff Pastor Parish Committee and had cooked and served at the Wednesday fellowship meals and had also done maintenance work at the church.To Bob, the most important thing in life was his family and he enjoyed spending time with them. He also enjoyed sports including golf, bowling, football and baseball. Bob had a mean curve ball and if it hadnt been for a football injury during his senior year of high school, he would have been drafted to the Cleveland Indians as a pitcher. Bob served on the first school board in North Pole, Alaska in 1954 and yes, Santa was on the board and was the president.Bob is survived by his wife of 62 years, Mary Elizabeth Susie (Grimes) Bernowski, whom he married November 8, 1952; children, Robert R. (Taimi) Bernowski, Jr. of Buckeye Lake, Michael L. (Melinda) Bernowski of Ackworth, GA, Debora A. (Jeffrey) Kelly of Tucson, AZ; Terry A. Bernowski (Susan) of Pickerington and Richard (Esther) Bernowski of Newark; fifteen grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren; a brother, Joseph J. Bernowski, Jr. of Mount Sterling; and nieces and nephews.In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Beverly J. Ogilbee.Friends may call from 4-7 p.m. on Thursday, November 20, at Criss Wagner Hoskinson Funeral Home, 179 Granville Street, Newark, and also from 10-11 a.m. prior to the service at the church on Friday.Memorial contributions may be made to Heath United Methodist Church.Criss Wagner Hoskinson Funeral Home is honored to care for Bernowski family.