Condolence From: George D. Pitzer
Condolence: I attended Shepherd with Bernie as part of the Class of 1960. I remember him as a really good person and kind to everyone. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. We have lost another good person. George Pitzer.
Monday January 26, 2015
Condolence From: George D. Pitzer
Condolence: I attended Shepherd with Bernie as part of the Class of 1960. I remember him as a really good person and kind to everyone. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. We have lost another good person. George Pitzer.
Monday January 26, 2015
Condolence From: Walter Johnson
Condolence: Sorry to learn of the passing of Bernie.
I remember Bernie from High School. We played in the High School Band. However I remember Bernie and his grand sounding trombone from the musical groups we would get together after school. Particularly he loved to play a solo when we would play Night Train.
I also remember going to his house for practices. We musicians learned to show up with empty stomaches, ready to eat Mrs. Tonalli's good pasta. We had seconds and sometimes thirds - whether we wanted them or not. She was ssuch a good cook.
Bernie had a big and generous heart. He must have inherited it from his Mother.
Thursday January 01, 2015
Condolence From: Jenny Smeltzer Carpenter
Condolence: I am deeply sadden by the loss of a Wonderful man, Teacher and a Friend to All. Bernie Tonalli got his Angel Wings. I must say I will truely miss him. Mr. Tonalli was an great Teacher; one that all could learn from. He wasn't just a teacher. He was one who invested his time in you. He had this way of making you push harder and you not knowing that was what he was doing. Trust me I know. Very patient man he was. Wow I remember being asked my Senior year for yearbook "Who do you want to be like?" I remember saying Bernie Tonalli. It wasn't because I wanted to be a Choir Director, it was the person he was. The athletic teams had their coaches, well High Voltage, choir and any other class he taught we had our Coach that was Bernie Tonalli rather it was on stage, standing behind the curtain or standing far back in the auditorium he coached. I remember going to a funeral of a family member of mine a few yrs back. I had no idea He was the one who would be leading us in all the music. I remember sitting there going thru the motions and I looked up at him I got that Bernie Tonalli look only he could give and I knew. And then he sung I listened to him sing. All I could think was the teacher has now became student. It was beautiful. I like to think that maybe just maybe I am a bit like him as a person, investing my time in others, giving 100% and more in the things that are important. Student becoming Teacher. All I know when I get my angel wings I will be looking him up and auditioning for Bernie Tonalli's choir. You will truly be missed Mr. T! Mrs. Tonalli, Karmen and Family please know that you have been in my prayers for a very long time. And I am going to miss coming home to Martinsburg and randomly having reunions with you and Mr. Tonalli at Peking Restaurant. As one of his "originals" High Voltage I speak for all of us We Loved him, We Respected him. There will never be another Teacher, Mentor, Coach and friend like him. I want you to know Mrs. T we love and Respect you just the same.
Sunday December 28, 2014
Condolence From: DAVID &CAROLYN BRILL
Condolence: Lana and Family: Carol and I are deeply sorry for the loss of your husband. Know that our prayers and thoughts are with you in this sad time. If you need anything please let us know.
Saturday December 27, 2014
Condolence From: Oliver/Pean/Pete Long
Condolence: Lana, I'm so sorry to about Cousin Bernie. My prayers go out to You and Karmen. You know you can call on me for anything.
Tuesday December 23, 2014
Condolence From: Bob and Pamela Hottinger
Condolence: Lana: Our thoughts and prayers to you and your family. It was a real pleasure working with Bernie when I was the Pastor of Trinity UMC. May God bless each of you
Monday December 22, 2014
Condolence From: Spring G.
Condolence: My heart is saddened to hear the news. You helped so many of us to develop our voice. May you rest in peace. My condolences to the family
Sunday December 21, 2014
Condolence From: Heather Gordon Leab
Condolence: I am so sorry for your loss. I was one of many of his students in show chior for all 4 years. He was more like a second dad than he will ever know. Many,many memories.He will be greatly missed by many.
Saturday December 20, 2014
Condolence From: G.L. "Bud" Puffenberger
Condolence: Lana so sorry to learn of Bernie's passing. He will be missed but his life will be remembered by many. God bless and my thoughts are with you at this sad time.
Saturday December 20, 2014
