Mero Bernard

MERO “SMOKEY” BERNARD, 92 Mero “Smokey” Bernard passed away peacefully on November 4th, 2018 in Bartow Florida. He was 92. Mero, who went by his nickname Smokey, was born on February 14, 1926 in Montorio Al Vomano, Italy. He immigrated with his mother to Youngstown, Ohio in 1929 and became a U.S. Citizen in 1943. Smokey was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1944 and served with honor in WW-II in the European Campaign. Following his honorable discharge he moved with his family to Lakeland where he worked as an auto mechanic, and later owned Smokey’s Wheel & Frame Alignment. Smokey was preceded in death by his loving wife of over 60 years, Jean Bernard. He was also preceded in death by his daughter Dianne Agerton. He is survived by his children Marti Kittrell-Jordak, Suzanne Mann (Thorbjoern), Anthony Bernard, and Richard Bernard (Stacy), as well as 8 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. A viewing will be held Friday November 9th, 2018 at 12:00 noon at Heath Funeral Chapel located at 328 S. Ingraham Ave., Lakeland, FL 33801. The funeral will follow at 1:00 pm. Interment will be at Oak Hill Burial Park.