Alvaro Bernal's Obituary
Bernal, Alvaro, 57, passed away on Friday, February 4, 2011. Born November 13, 1953 in Panama, Republic of Panama. Son of Fulvia Ardito Barleta Bernal and the Late Alvaro Bernal Dominguez, sisters Marianela and Maricel all residents of Panama.
Alvaro resided in Miami for the past 22 years with his family. After a 2 year battle with cancer, Alvaro died peacefully with his family at his side. He is survived by his wife of 30 years; Silvia Anderhub Bernal, sons Alvaro Julian (AJ) and Fernando Eduardo and a daughter Lilia Elizabeth. Sister-in-laws, Drs. Lily (Jorge) de Berganza of Mexico City, Susan (Eloy) Jaen and Brother-in-law Otto (Gina) Anderhub, and a niece and nephews.
Professionally, he was in the banking industry, working at Ocean Bank, Private Banking Division during the past 17 years.
Alvaro, an active 20-year member of Group 7 and Florida Wing, started his CAP journey in June 1991. Well liked by both the officers and cadets, and quickly seen as a leader comfortable with challenges, after Hurricane Andrew he was asked to help rebuild Miami Enterprise Cadet Squadron as its Commander. Later, transferred to Homestead Composite Squadron, to assist in the regrowth of the unit as Deputy Commander of Cadets, as well as Emergency Services and Safety Officer, ultimately promoted to Squadron Commander in 2000.
Most recently he served as Wing Deputy Inspector General to Group Seven. He was best known as a Mission Safety Officer and tireless Emergency Services work, participating in Civil Air Patrol's local response to 9/11, and having responded to Hurricane RECON duties.
Alvaro was a CAP Ranger, serving on the Glades Ranger School Staff in 2002 to date, and was Glades Ranger School Commander 2005. He attended the CAP National Ranger School at Hawk Mountain, Penn, and served on the Senior Staff 2004 through 2007.
He has earned the rating of Expert Ranger, receiving Black Belt #236 at Hawk Mt. July 2010.
He completed all five phases of the CAP Professional Development Program, earning the Gill Robb Wilson Award (2536) in January 2008, and was appointed to the grade of CAP Lieutenant Colonel in September 2002.
In addition to his service with Civil Air Patrol, Alvaro was a very active auxiliarist in the United States Coast Guard, serving as a member of Seventh District Flotilla 69. He served in a variety of positions at the Flotilla and Division level, most recently as Division Staff Officer – Communications Services. He was qualified as both an Aids-to-Navigation Verifier and Hawkeye Sensor Operator. In the latter qualification, he served in a highly-classified, direct-augmentation, national security position with the U S Coast Guard Seventh District Headquarters.
Visitation will take place on Tuesday, February 8th from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Van Orsdel Funeral Chapel (4600 S.W. 8th St, Coral Gables. A Mass and Holy Eucharist Celebration for the Life of Alvaro Bernal will take place Wednesday, February 9th at 6:30 p.m. at St. Philip's Episcopal Church (1142 Coral Way, Coral Gables).
In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations may be made to: “The Alvaro Bernal Children's Education Trust” c/o Ocean Bank (Attn: Miriam Martinez), 2655 SW 42 Ave, Coral Gables, Fl 33134.
The family extends a warm thank you to the entire Saint Philip’s Community and Family Friends for their love and unconditional support over the past 2 years.
Alvaro always enjoyed participating and dedicating his time and efforts to The Civil Air Patrol and the United States Coast Guard.
VAN ORSDEL CORAL GABLES
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