Vincent Bernott

Gentle yet strong, hardworking yet fun-loving are words that describe the extraordinary man that Vincent Bernott was, however, it was his unwavering faith and unending love for his family that will be his lasting legacy. He was blessed to spend the majority of his days alongside the love of his life, Betty with whom he witnessed his family tree blossom to include the children and grandchildren who were his greatest source of pride and joy. Even when the way before him was difficult, Vince was a man of great courage whose faith was an inspiration to all who were within his reach. He will be dearly missed but never forgotten.

The year 1918 is often remembered as the year that saw the end of WWI, but it was an unforgettable year in the lives of a young couple from Grand Rapids, Michigan, for a much different reason as they were blessed with the birth of a baby boy on May 31, 1918. Vincent Z. was the fifth of eight children born to his parents, Anthony and Marcella (Belinis) Bernott. He was raised in the family home on Quarry Avenue NW near their church, Sts. Peter & Paul, alongside his siblings, Alex, Marceline, Albert, Helena, Gregoria, Ernest, and Loretta. His father was a pattern maker at several local factories while his mother was a homemaker. In his free time Vince enjoyed fishing in the Grand River, and weekly golf on caddy day throughout the summers.

Their Lithuanian heritage was an important part of life in the Bernott home as was their Catholic faith. Vince attended elementary school at Sts. Peter and Paul Elementary, and Sunday Mass was a family event. His high school years found him at St. Joseph Seminary through the 12th grade, and although he had aspirations of becoming a priest a heart condition prohibited him from doing so.

After high school Vince pursued a business proposition with his brother, Alex, which brought him to Washington, D.C. When that deal fell through, he took a job at a local jeweler. It was there that he learned the trade of watch repair.

It was while attending a Lithuanian celebration at a local Catholic church in Washington, D.C. that Vince laid eyes on the young woman of his dreams. He mustered enough courage to talk to the young woman named Betty, and the rest is history as they say. They began dating, and it wasn’t long before they were deeply in love. With a desire to share their lives, Vince and his sweetheart were married on April 24, 1945, at her home parish in Scranton, Pennsylvania.

The newlyweds enjoyed a memorable honeymoon to Niagara Falls and returned to Washington, D.C. where they settled into an apartment for the five years that followed. Exactly one year after they exchanged their vows, Vince and Betty were blessed with the birth of their daughter, Eileen. They later added two sons into the family, Bob and Tom.

In 1951 the bustling family moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan, as Vince was in need of medical care there. They spent their first few years living with Vince’s parents and later moved into a rented house on Lexington NW where their family was completed with the birth of their third son, Carl. Just as he had been raised, Vince raised his children deeply rooted in the Catholic faith, and together they faithfully attended Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church. The Bernotts eventually moved to a home on Lake Michigan Drive, NW and became members of St. James Catholic Church. As a family, they enjoyed trips to Washington, D.C. Vince cooked breakfast for his family nearly every morning, and Sundays were reserved for popcorn and root beer floats while watching Disney on television. The family became members of the Elks Country Club where they enjoyed golfing, bowling, and attended numerous family activities. Vince and Betty also golfed on the couples league whenever possible. As his three boys got older, the Bernott men frequently golfed together as a foursome. Vince was also a fantastic bowler who had a 196 average in 1974.

To support his family, Vince owned and operated his own business, Bernott Jewelry and Watch Repair, located on Plainfield Ave. Over time he grew the business adding religious medals, scapulars, and books among other items to his store. The business moved to Bridge Street where he changed the name of the business to Bernott Religious Supply and Jewelry. He later moved the business to Monroe Avenue in downtown Grand Rapids. He moved the business twice more with his final location ending on Market Avenue in a building he bought. Vince was completely dedicated to his business, which meant that vacations were few and far between. Betty could often be found working at the store as well. Finally in 1985, Vince and Betty decided to close the business and retire.

Retirement provided Vince and Betty more freedom, and they soon purchased a townhouse in Tucson, Arizona, where they spent the following 20 winter seasons. They enjoyed regular visits there from their children. Betty’s ongoing battle with diabetes brought them back to Grand Rapids. Together Vince and his wife also visited her sister in Rio de Janeiro and took a trip to Nassau, Bahamas.

During his sunset years Vince struggled with heart issues that required bypass surgery on two separate occasions as well as an aneurysm repair. He was also deeply saddened with the death of his beloved Betty on November 18, 2009. Vince found comfort in his faith and the love of his family, and he continued to hold both his faith and his family even closer to his heart. He treasured spending time with his grandchildren and regularly saw his children, often for Sunday Mass and dinner. He and his boys always looked forward to the annual potato pancake breakfast they held at their home each winter. Vince remained active, too, bowling until he was 93 and driving his car within one month of passing. When he developed heart issues just a few weeks ago, Vince decided to put his life in the Lord’s hands rather than seek out more medical treatment. It was with his precious family by his side that he drew his last breath.

When reflecting on the life of Vincent Bernott, we are reminded that happiness is not found in what we have, but that it is in the love we share with others that we are richly blessed. He was a man of faith whose convictions guided his steps, his life exemplifying what it means to be a man of God. A loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Vince will be forever cherished.

Vincent “Vince” Bernott, age 95, returned to God on February 17, 2014. Vince was raised in Grand Rapids, and together with his wife of 64 years, worked side by side at the family business, Bernott Religious Supply and Jewelry for 33 years. Vince was predeceased by his wife, Betty and his grandson, Paul Bernott, as well as his brothers and sisters: Alex Bernott and Fr. Albert Bernott, Sister Marceline Bernott, Sister Gregoria Bernott, Helena Plomondon, and Loretta Reardon. Vince will be lovingly and forever remembered by his children, Eileen (Stuart) Jacobs of Hudson, MA, Robert (Barbara) Bernott, Thomas (Terri) Bernott, and Carl (Jill) Bernott all of Grand Rapids; his seven grandchildren, Matthew Bernott, Michael Bernott, Aaron Bernott, Elizabeth (Allen) Lenartz, Jenna Bernott, Kelli Bernott, and Lauren Bernott. Vince is also survived by his brother, Fr. Ernest Bernott. Cremation has taken place. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, April 26, 2014 at 10:00 AM at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, 520 Myrtle NW. There will be time for family visitation at the church on the day of the service from 9:00 AM until the Mass begins. The family wishes to thank the wonderful staff of St. Ann’s Home for their exceptional care, love and support of Vince throughout his journey. Anyone wishing to make memorial contribution please consider St. Ann’s Home. To read more about Vince’s life, to sign his guest book and to leave your own memory of him, visit his web page at www.lifestorynet.com