“Everyday is a holiday for Mike!” Michael Bernero often proclaimed as a man enjoying his retirement in his adopted hometown of Rising Sun, MD. Always fearless, nothing could stop him from having a good time or making friends anywhere he went. Unfortunately, after a long series of major strokes and the development of Parkinson’s disease he passed on April 7, 2026 at the age of 67.

Mike was born September 13th, 1958 in Upland, PA to Helen (nee O’Donnell) and William Anthony Bernero. The 7th of 8 children he was never quiet and wouldn’t be overshadowed by a large family and rough and tumble brothers. He graduated from St. James Catholic School for Boys in 1976 with excellent grades and a love for mischief.

Soon after, Mike became a father in 1977 with the birth of his son Michael Hamre, followed by his second son David Hamre a few years later. He then grew his family further with Sarah Bernero and Melissa Bernero (Edwards) being born in Pennsylvania before he moved to Maryland in 1990. There his family grew even larger with the addition of Billy Bernero and Matt Bernero. He is survived by his six children and ten grandchildren: Ian, Alex, Jacob, Emily, Michael, Joseph, Jackston, Izabelle, Maizlynn and Isaac. Additionally he is survived by his siblings Nancy Smith (Thomas), Sheila Grabowski (Michael), Marilyn Beasley (James), William Bernero Jr. (Cathy), Virginia Brown (Joseph) and Tom Bernero (Virginia); and predeceased by his sister Francise Thompson (Robert).

Mike lived his life the way he wanted, leaving loved ones with life long memories. He will be remembered for his captivating story telling, his love of the outdoors, taking trips to the Jersey shore with his family, and driving lazily along the backroads with kids in tow. Those who knew him, will never forget his competitive streak, his love of music and reading, his knowledge of history and politics and his desire to discuss them with everyone. It wasn’t unusual to find him carrying around a cooler full of beer, rooting for the Eagles on Sundays and watching his westerns. In his later years, even with his health in decline, he remained hilarious, entertained neighborhood friends and still hopped in the car saying “let’s go” whenever invited. He was a beloved son, brother, father, husband, and friend. Equal parts intelligent, charismatic, stubborn and hilarious he was a memorable character. Mike was loved by a considerable number of people and will be greatly missed.

His Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, April 18th at 3:00 PM at R.T. Foard Funeral Home located at 111 S. Queen St, Rising Sun, MD 21911. The family will begin receiving friends at 1:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, if it is in your means, please donate to the MD Food Bank in memory of “Mike Bernero” at https://secure.mdfoodbank.org/a/tribute