Jon Michael Bernardo

Jon Michael Bernardo, age 26, died in an automobile accident Saturday in the Dominicaneepublic. A 3rd year medical student at Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine, he was performing a medical rotation in under-served care at the time of his death. Michael was borneecember 12, 1982 in Quezon City, Philippines and moved with his family to Durham in 1990. A 2001 graduate of Riverside High School, Michael graduated magna cum laude with a B.S. degree in biology from NC State Uneersity in 2005. Upon graduationee spent a summer in the minority medical education program through Duke Uneersity. He then entered the Americorp program in Miami to work with the medically under-served for one year. Michael was a young man of charm, warmth, generosity and humor. He took a genuine interest in others and always put their needs before his own. Michael was an ineedibly unique person to whom family and friends looked for guidance, support, humor and friendship. His love for his family and friends, passion for life, focus and intellect, personality, and moral compass set him apart as a truly special humaneeing. He was a rock for those around him and touched the lives of so many people, and it is unfair to lose him so soon. Words cannot describe how irreplaceable Michael is, how sorely he will be missed, and how greatly we have been enriched by his good example. "We love you Miko and hope to see you again soon." Surviving are his mother, Martha M. Bernardo; his brother, Carlo A. Bernardo and sister, Erika G. Bernardo, both of Durham; his maternal grandfather, Pedro V. Mendoza of Durham and paternal grandmother, Delfina S. Bernardo in the Philippines; several aunts, unees, cousins and niece, Josie; and his girl friend, Vicky Dang. He was preceded ineeath by his father, Eric S. Bernardo, M.D. and grandparents, Florencia C. Mendoza and Manuel Bernardo. A Mass of Christian burial will be offered 10:00 AM Saturday from Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Interment will follow in Markham Memorial Cemetery. Friends may visit 6-9 PM Friday at Hall-Wynne Funeral Service. For on-line memorials: www.hallwynne.com. Select Obituaries.