Bernard "Bernie" Nezbeth

"Together Again" Bernard “Bernie” J. Nezbeth, 86, of Sebring passed away on Tuesday, October 9, 2012 at his home where he was born. Bernie was born at that home in Sebring on July 27, 1926, the tenth son of the late Robert Francis and Mary (Schneider) Nezbeth. Bernie proudly served in the United States Navy; he entered the Navy on July 29, 1944, eventually serving as a Boatswain’s Mate Coxswain aboard the USS ATR-85, a rescue tug operating out of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii under the Commander of the Third Fleet. Deploying throughout the Western and Southern Pacific Oceans, these rescue tugs responded and took in tow, as rapidly as possible battle damaged ships in peril of sinking. For his service, “Boats” as he was known received the American Campaign Medal, the WWII Victory Medal and the Asiatic-Pacific Ribbon. Mr. Nezbeth went to Sebring Schools and was a life long member of St. Ann Catholic Church where he served as Choir Director from 1960-1978. Bernie continued singing as a Cantor for Masses and numerous Wedding and Funerals, and was an Alter Server until he was 85 years old. He was an avid hunter from a young boy; hunting to contribute food for their large family, but he also enjoyed it as a sport with his family and friends, including even last season at 85 years young. Bernie was known for his Elk hunting trips to Colorado with his Motor home and to his beloved Deer camp in Potter County, PA along side his “Hunting family” from the West End Rod and Gun Club. Mr. Nezbeth was the “Fearless Leader” at his Lake Cottage where his “Ole Buddy” John Teichman joined him and his brothers and nephews in countless hours of fishing, pulling skiers and his passion hosting many Nezbeth Reunions. Bernie was also a member of the Nezbeth Orchestra where he played alongside his brothers at countless local social events including the Weddings of his children. Bernie participated in the First Annual Mount Union College High School Music Festival in 1943, as well as playing aboard ship with his Navy buddies. Following his honorable discharge on June 6, 1946, he returned home to Sebring. Mr. Nezbeth worked at Dick Ewing Service Station as an attendant while in school. Bernie also worked at John Malmsberry Service Station in North Benton, the French Saxon China Co. in Sebring as ware boy, T-Pot Dome in Sebring and Ohio Battery and Ignition in Alliance with Mr. Taylor. Bernie started Nezbeth Auto Electric where he worked for more than 50 years and spent decades working side by side with his son John. Bernie was known far and wide to be able to fix anything car or truck related. Survivors include his daughter Joan K. Schneider of Ravenna, a son John R. (Amy) Nezbeth of Minerva, a daughter Amy N. (John) Wallace of Homeworth, a daughter Paula A. (Jeff) Voci of Cleveland. He is also survived by ten grandchildren; Ryan, Cory, Mallory Schneider, Mathew and Luke Nezbeth, McKenzie, Johnny Bernie Wallace and Madison Wallace (Ryan) Brown. In addition to his parents Bernie was preceded in death by his wife Alice Mae (Knecht) Nezbeth who died just this past month on September 12, 2012, when he had shared 62 loving years together. Nine brothers and eight sister-in-laws; William and Bertha “Charlotte” (Ramsey), John and Helen (Pase), James and Hattie (Hartley), Robert and Evelyn (Goddard), Joseph and Kaye (Eckley), Francis and Loretta (Rouse), Clarence “Babe” and Madeline (Iddings) Leo, Cletus and Doloris (Merganthaler) Nezbeth, three nephews, Johnny, James and Jerry Nezbeth and his niece Kathleen (Nezbeth) Taylor. A Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, October 15, 2012 at 11:00 AM at St. Ann Catholic Church in Sebring with Fr. Thomas Dyer and Fr. Victor Cinson officiating. Friends may call at Gednetz-Ruzek Funeral Home on Sunday from 2-8 PM with the family present from 5-8 PM. A Rosary Service will be held at 8PM. Burial will take place at Grandview Cemetery in Sebring. Friends may send condolences and sign the guest register online at www.grfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are by Gednetz-Ruzek Funeral Home. (330) 938-2526.

---