Bernard A. "Bernie" Santandera, 78, of Ellijay, GA passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at home on Thursday, January 12, 2023.

Bernie was born in Troy, NY on March 21, 1944 to Benjamin F. Santandera and Angeline Esposito Santandera. In addition to his wife of 56 years, Ellen C. "Chrys" Santandera, Bernie is survived by daughter Christina Mayes (Kevin) of Kennesaw, GA and son, Stephen B.
Santandera of Woodstock, GA, and grandson Gregory R. Benz (Caitlin) and great granddaughter Camille, granddaughter Ashley Bolmer (Amy) and great grandson Hayden. He is also survived by his brother Paul (Pam), and sister-in-law Alice (Philip - deceased),
brothers-in-law Thomas P. Graham, Robert W. Graham (Pat), John H. Wood (Judy), and sister-in-law Kathy Graham. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Bernie is predeceased by his parents and his brother Philip.

Bernie attended St. Mary's Catholic school and La Salle Institute, class of 1961, in Troy, NY. He then attended Hudson Valley Community College where he earned an Associate of Science, followed by attending Fairleigh Dickinson where he earned a Bachelor of Science.

Bernie served in the United States Navy and was a naval aviator attaining the rank of Lieutenant Junior Grade (LTJG). He was a member of the Navy's VF-21 Squadron, Miramar, CA. His naval service led him to serve in the Vietnam War, aboard the USS Ranger aircraft carrier, during which he earned several medals and commendations.

After completing 2 tours of duty and gaining an honorable discharge, he then joined Gulf Oil in NJ, followed by Wheel Horse (Toro) in GA. He then entered the laundry and dry cleaning supply industry by becoming the owner of Morris and Eckels company, located in Atlanta and Marietta, for almost 20 years before retirement.

Bernie loved the cabin on the lake in Ellijay, where he took much pride and joy in working in the yard, as well as boating and fishing, feeding the wildlife, and relaxing in his sunroom. He also enjoyed the condo in Southern Florida, where he used to go watch the horse races whenever they were running. Bernie also loved his travels, whether it took him to Las Vegas to play Craps, to Italy to experience his heritage, to the Caribbean for cruising and leisure, or to Troy NY to socialize with family and lifelong friends. In his leisure time, he enjoyed jigsaw puzzles and Sudoku, the TV Series Yellowstone, historical documentaries, and Nascar. Above all, he was the most kind-hearted man who was a friend to everyone and loved dearly by his family.

Bernie will be interred at the Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, GA at 11:30am on January 26, 2023. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital.

Bernhardt Funeral Home of Ellijay is in charge of these arrangements.