Bernard E. Litten, 93

June 4, 1926 - November 19, 2019

Bernie was born to Albert and Hanna Litten in the early morning of June 4, 1926. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Robert and Irving and his sister, Deena. Bernie was raised in South Philadelphia with a brief period when the family lived in West Philadelphia. He was drafted and entered the Navy at age 18 in October 1944. He was the only son in the family to serve in the military which made his family proud. Bernie began his service aboard the USS Dade (APA-99) and was reassigned to serve aboard the USS Zeilin (APA3). Bernie proudly served in the Pacific in World War II until June 1946 at discharge. He was awarded the Pacific Theater Ribbon (One Star), the American Theater Ribbon, the Victory Medal and the Philippine Liberation Ribbon.

Bernie was married to his first wife, Evelyn (Temponi) Litten in 1946 and had two beautiful daughters, Trudy and Sherri. He was blessed with two grandsons, Brandon and Ryan Jones. Bernie always was a man that worked hard for his family to provide them with a good life. He worked 25 years at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyards and retired in 1988. Throughout his lifetime he worked many part-time jobs in banquets, restaurants and hotels as a waiter and maître d.

Bernie met Gail in 1991. They were married in 1992 and he became a stepfather to Tracy, Kelly, and Shannon. He was blessed with six more grandchildren Teagan, Alix, Gracie, Mathew, Zachary, and Jackson. After marrying Gail, Bernie worked hand-in-hand with her at her chocolate business, helping to make candy and deliver orders. He was the best darn nut dipper in the whole place!

Bernie was a real family man. His life centered on his family and loved ones. From his youngest days, he took care of both of his brothers and his sister when they were sick. He cared for his father, Albert as well as Gail’s parents, Sophie and Gil, as they got older. When he wasn’t helping his family, he spent his time gardening his tomatoes, which he anonymously shared with bags of tomatoes left on neighbors’ door handles. He enjoyed doing puzzles with Eric and Matty, painting birdhouses that he gifted to friends and family. He loved watching and caring for wild birds that appeared on the deck outside while eating his breakfast. Christmas was his favorite time of year to celebrate with his entire family.

Bernie was a wonderful son, brother, father, grandfather, stepfather, and an exceptional husband. Gail was blessed when she and Bernie met. They had so much together: deep abiding love, shared interests, wonderful children and much-loved grandchildren. She said, “He understood me so well. A woman could not have it all if she was not married to the right man.” She was blessed to have it all with Bernie.

He had an impact on everyone he met. Wherever he would go, people knew him. He was always smiling. He touched so many people in his life just because he took the time to talk. From the clerks in the post office, people working at Acme or Giant, gas station attendants, guys at Radio Shack, everyone knew him, and welcomed his, “Hi! How ya’ doing today?”

There is no way to sum up Bernie’s life other than to list everything he was. Unfortunately, the list would go on for days. In short, Bernie was a friend, lover, father, husband, grandfather, a shoulder to lean on, a crutch, a soulmate, listener, clown, partner, brother, uncle, and sounding board. He was it all. He will always be “The light of Gail’s life!” and he will be always loved and forever missed!