John Richard Bernsen

John Richard Bernsen, age 83, of Fort Washington, MD, passed peacefully on Sunday, January 21, 2024, in Dayton, Ohio. He was born to the late Margaret and James Bernsen in Westwood, Massachusetts on April 19, 1940.

John dedicated his life to being a Master Carpenter. He began his own business as a Licensed Home Improvement Contractor in 1979 serving residents and businesses in Maryland, Washington D.C., and Virginia until his retirement in December 2022. His work was his passion. His vision, creative mind, and craftsmanship were second to none, proven by the many lifelong customers who called on him time and time again to make their house a home. Most of the time John preferred solitude. However, he and his wife enjoyed being part of a Mr. & Mrs. Bowling League on Saturday nights for 10 years.

John joins in Heaven; his brothers Paul and James Bernsen; his sister, Peggy Jacques; his first wife, Linda Bernsen; and son-in-law, Billy Kirchner.

John is survived by his loving wife, Charlene Bernsen; sisters Elizabeth Galeota, Anne Musmeci; children Sharon (Marc) Ayalla, Cheryl (Eric) Schlensker, Tricia Bernsen, Laura (Mike) Wolfe, Jacqueline Kirchner; Grandchildren, Drs. Ryan (Tina) Murphy, Alyssa (Mike) Ireland, Brittany Ayalla (Tyler Curtin), Michael Sherman, Christian Schlensker (Megan Lawson), Christopher (Jessica) Braudis, Stephanie Braudis (Billy Thornsbury), Jordan Wolfe, Ryan Wolfe (Jillian Dunning), Luke and Bridget Kirchner; Great Grandchildren, Brayden Murphy, Audrina Ireland, Declan Murphy, Cade Curtin, Koda Schlensker, Colin Braudis, Aubrey Braudis, Roman Wolfe and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Family and friends are welcome to gather at Lee Funeral Home in Clinton, Maryland, February 5, 2024 from 11-12 with funeral services beginning at 12 pm. A graveside service will follow at Resurrection Cemetery, Clinton, Maryland.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Ohio's Hospice of Dayton, 324 Wilmington Avenue, Dayton, Ohio 45420.

May John Richard Bernsen rest in peace, and may his memory be cherished by all who knew and loved him.