Bernie Nowogrocki

Drawn to Colorado by the awe and beauty of the Rocky Mountains, Bernie John Nowogrocki Jr. now rests in peace in the twilight of their purple majesties, having passed away suddenly on Sunday, July 25, 2021 at age 65.

Bernie is survived by his wife, the love of his life, Mary Lynn DalSanto-Nowogrocki.  Soul mates from the start, they created a welcoming home filled with love at the Windsor Gardens community, being true neighbors and friends to many.  “B.J,” as he was affectionately known, now joins his father, Bernard Nowogrocki, Sr. in heavenly rest.   There is no greater love than that of a mother for her son, which sums up perfectly the bond he and Judy Nowogrocki shared from his birth on February 28, 1956 onward.  She will miss him terribly.

As the eldest sibling and brother to Nancy Michaud (Paul, deceased); Jimmy (Maureen Feeney) and Janet Burkhardt (Randy), and brother-in-law to Darla (Pete) Chemello and Jackie Vernia, Bernie wore many hats as confidant, director of fun and adventure, cook and a person to lean on when we needed it the most.

With the gentleness of a teddy bear, Uncle Bernie brought endless smiles and laughs to his 31 nieces and nephews, great nieces, great nephews and even a great-great niece.  These lucky kids reside in Phoenix, Detroit, St. Louis, Chicago, Denver, Grand Junction, Madison, Wisconsin, and Raleigh, North Carolina.

Born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, Bernie embodied the Jesuit motto of “Men For Others” from attending St. Ignatius High School and then Regis University, Denver.  Any of the state’s 14ers could not match the reach of Bernie’s constant kindness to help others at a moment’s notice or his enduring work ethic for the Denver City and County Courts as a senior accountant, retiring June 30, 2021.

B is for Bernie and for a few of his favorite things shared with family and dear friends: the Browns, Baseball with the Tribe, Broncos and Budweiser, enjoyed with his unique blend of Polish wit and charm.

Tonite, as the sun rests atop the peaks to the West, and the first star signals the arrival of the soothing night, let us be reminded that above all else, Bernie John Nowogrocki had a true heart of gold.

A visitation will be held on Sunday August 8, 2021, between 12pm and 3:00 p.m. at Horan & McConaty, 1091 S. Colorado Boulevard (at Mississippi Ave.) Denver, Colorado 80246.

(Bernie will be wearing his brightest Hawaiian shirt.  All are welcome to wear your Hawaiian shirts)