September 14, 2014

Riley was a good friend he went to school with me
.

I enjoyed playing football with Riley at recess. The last words I said to him were "good catch" – he made a great catch! He usually said I was a good kicker in kickball. I will miss playing with him alot. He was a good friend. In math class I would usually save a seat next to me for him. I know he is with Jesus & very happy-

Love, Dylan King,
4th grade/Mrs. Weaver’s Class/Nitrauer

OH MY WORD, i just got on FB & saw the messages. I AM SOOO SORRY for your loss, i could hardly believe when I read this. Words cannot express how sad I feel for you. We will keep your family in prayer. May Gods comfort & strength be ever present in this time of loss. I am sooo sorry to hear.

Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. With our deepest sympathy,

Tessa King, Sophia & Orlando Cortez

My thoughts are with your entire family.

As a 4th grade teacher at Nitrauer, I had the pleasure of getting to know Riley at school, and ironically, I knew his dad, Greg, through playing basketball together where he sometimes "schools" me. I had a conversation with Riley on Friday afternoon, December 21, and asked him if he was aware that I knew his dad since we played basketball together every Monday. Riley was impressed when he found out "Mr. Heverling" thought his dad was a really good basketball player.

I am glad to know that the family has such strong faith to lean on. Never forget that you are a part of a community, all of whom will do everything in their power to lighten your load. You can lean on all of us.

Bernhardt Family,

Our family was very sad to hear about the loss of your son. Can’t imagine how hard it has been for your family over the past few days. If it is any comfort, since we heard of your loss, your family has been been in our prayers. We pray that the sting of death will fade and the good memories of Gregory will remain strong.

Deepest sympathies,

Nate & Mindy Shea

While we never met Riley, we are relatives, and mourn your loss of this precious child. May God bless and keep you in your time of sorrow.

Ruth, Jon, and Jo Ellen Litz

Dear Bernhardts,

How sad I was to hear the tragic news of your son Riley’s untimely death! All who had the joy of knowing him were blessed, and I feel doubly blessed because I was able to teach him for the past few months.

Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.

When you feel ready, please do call. We would love to have you for dinner and share precious memories of your lovely son.

May the Lord sustain you during these pain-filled days of your fresh grief and shower you with grace upon grace.

Your Friends,
The Vega’s

Dear Shannon, Greg, Hailey, Avery, and Peyton,

Although we never got to meet Riley in person, I can only image what a great kid Riley was and still is, as his soul is still amongst us all. Shannon, you were like a sister to me when were little, and your family has always been great towards myself and my family. I’m lost of words, for I’m not one who is very good with condolence. I do believe that Riley will always be a with you and your family at all times, and he will help all get through this rough time. I know you and your family will grow together, as you have done in the past.

Love
Roger, Jess, Hailey, Peanut, Zoe (our dogs), Kasper, Brew, and Shadow (our cats). RIP Riley

The Slamans family would like to send our deepest and sincere condolences to little Riley’s family, sisters and brother, mom and dad, aunts and uncles, grandparents and so many more who loved him and cared for him. Our prayers are with you throughout this time as you grieve such a precious life.

Love,
Andy, Deanna, Korri & AJ Slaman

Our deepest thoughts and prayers for you Bernhardts. We can’t begin to imagine your feelings right now. But, we know God is there with you to walk you through this.

God Bless,
Ethan, Mia, Amy and Joe Cooper

Dear Jim, Marie, Greg, Shannon, Hailey, Avery and Peyton,

I want you to know that we have all been heartbroken and have had all of you in our thoughts and prayers since we learned of your loss. What I remember most about Riley was his kindness towards Joey when they met and how he always asked about him – how I wish they could have been together more. No words can convey the anguish I have felt for all of you – please know that I am here for you and will always keep a remembrance of sweet Riley in my heart.

Dale, Randi, Joey, David, Maribeth, Jacob, Abby and Justin

Shannon, my deepest sympathies to you and your family. My heart aches for all of you. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. ((hugs))

~Yvette Soulidis and family

Jim,Marie and family,

I am so sorry to hear of your loss,I truely know the pain you must be feeling and will keep you in my prayers as I know there are no words that can really comfort you at this time. God Bless you all.

Pat Phillips

My heart goes out to your family. May the many memories of Riley always live in your heart, as to not be without him and his love.

Denyse M. Keaveney

nna and Riley will continue to know that love.God has one arm round them both and has the oyher arm extended towards you —- hang on!

With love and sympathy,
Joe and Alexia Kielb

What a beautiful service you had today to celebrate Riley’s beautiful life. I am so sorry for your pain and loss but so grateful you have such strong faith to rely on and help you. Your faith and strength is amazing and inspirational. May God bless you. We are praying for all of you.

Eric, Shelby, Anna and Lilly Witmer (classmate)

To Shannon, Greg and Family,
I just wanted to let you know I have been thinking of you and praying God will shower you with comfort and peace during this dark time.  May God’s light shine all around and help you to know your sweet little boy is safe in Heaven. My daughter is a Nitrauer student and we will continue to pray for your family.  Bless you all~

I was so saddened to hear about your Riley. Having my own son now I know how incredibly precious a gift children are to us from the Lord. I can’t even imagine your pain yet am in awe of your strength and faith in God through this. Your family will be in my prayers! Much love to all of you!

Jaime(McCord)Kapur

What a beautiful and moving Celebration of Life Service for Riley on Saturday. May his loving family experience many blessings remembering Riley in the years ahead.

Sincere condolences,
Marianne Kelly

Dear Greg and Shannon,

I am so sad for your loss. I would’ve loved to meet him. Riley seemed like such a handsome, ambitious child. I will be praying that God surrounds you with His comfort. I am praying for you. My heart aches with you.

Sincerely,
Lisa (Hershberger)Brubaker

I am a friend of the Rudolphs of Madison, North Carolina. I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your grandchild at such an early age. I have 11 of my own so I know how much they mean to you. We will be praying for comfort in the days to come.

Jo Beth and Mike Simpson

Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time.

Sandy Rudolph, Greensboro, North Carolina

Jackson and I were so sad to hear of Riley’s death. He and Jackson were in 3rd grade together and he always talked about Riley. I just saw Riley on Friday before Christmas break during our 4th grade celebration and he was always so full of life. We are praying for all of your family and know he is in the place we are all preparing to go to – with God.

Christine and Jackson Westbrook (Mr. Heverling’s 4th grade)

Dear Greg & Shannon & Family,

We were blessed to have Riley in our lives. We thank God Valerie sat close to Riley on December 23, 2012 and joyfully watched Riley raise his hand when Pastor Sam gave an invitation to receive Jesus as his Lord and Savior. Praise God.

Also just a few weeks ago Riley asked Tony if they could play a golf game together and Tony told him as soon as the winter is over, you got it buddy.

Yes, we have wonderful memories of precious Riley and we will miss him.

Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to you and all the family. We are mourning along with you and your family. We love you….

Tony & Valerie Boff

Greg,Shannon,Avery,Peyton,Carl and Nancy…I am so sorry for all your family. My heart is heavy & hurts so much for all of you.You have been on my mind all day,every day and I just cannot even to begin to understand the pain you must go through.I wantedso very much to be at Riley’s Life Celebration but due to Bill"s health issues and the snow expected I knew we would not to be able to.For that, I am so sorry! Our prayers & hearts were with you and that will not stop! Shannon, I remember your mother telling about your Pop-Pop ( sorry, can’t remember what you called him) but how he called you "his little princess". Without a doubt,I am sure he was waiting with open arms for a "little Prince" to join him! Riley got his wings now and can sing and dance for him! You will never walk alone!
With all our love,
 Loretta & Bil

Bernhardt Family,

Our deepest sympathy for the loss of your son, Riley. Kyle and Riley were in class together. He expressed how Riley made everyone laugh and made school a fun place to go. The last day before Christmas vacation he gave Kyle a hug and told him Merry Christmas. What a special son you had. May god give you strength at this difficult time.

The Musser Family
(Howie, Tammy, Kyle, Kaitlyn, Keaton)

Its unfortunate for this loss he was a great little kid with a great attititude and he will be missed.

I’m glad I got to spend the time that I did with him each and everyday.

Heather Crawford (playground aide)

Dear Bernhardt Family,

We were crushed by the news of the death of young Riley.We have a grandchild the same age.I can’t imagine how broken your hearts must be.We wanted so much to be at the funeral,as a show of support,but unfortunately Joe wound up in the hospital unexpectedly late Friday night into Sat.Please know that you are in our prayers as you deal with the death of Riley and also mourn the lose of your dear sister,Anna. Marie,you and Jim were always caring and loving towards Anna as I’m sure you were with Riley and as you are also with Ruthie.Riley and Anna continue to know that love. God has one arm around them and the other arm extended towards you — hang on!!

With love and sympathy for your family,
Joe and Alexia Kielb

I am deeply sorry for your loss. My heart sank when I heard Riley had passed away. Every day at school he was full of energy and life & Always had the biggest smile. Friday just before leaving for the Holiday Break….He Wished me a Merry Christmas. I cannot imagine the pain you are experiencing right now. Know that I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers…through these very difficult days, weeks and months.

Riley’s big smile and energy will be greatly missed. My heart will be heavy as we return to school, and Riley isn’t there at lunch to say hello to me. Please know that you can lean on your friends and staff at Nitrauer Elementary at this difficult time. We are all here for you and your family.

Sincerely
Colleen Slane (Nitrauer Cashier)

Greg & family,

I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you.

Tiffany Schultz

There are just no words…sending you lots of prayers and hugs. We are so sorry, so young, so innocent, so soon.

Cara & Joe Nash and family

Our thoughts and prayers to you all during this most difficult time.

Sincerely,

The Landes Family (Carrie, Rob, Megan and Elise) Friends if Pete and Celeste

Our deepest sympathy is extended to your family during this very difficult time. Our son is in second grade with Avery at Nitrauer.

"Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10.

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God." 2 Corinthians 1:3-4.

Sincerely,
the Nguyen family
Michael, Vicky, Matthew & Kayley

Words cannot express my deep sadness over the loss of this beautiful child! He was an eager participant in life as evidenced this past summer at the 4th of July celebration we shared. He was such a wonderful, energetic addition to the event and brought such fun and happiness with him. He will be sorely missed by so many, even by some like me who only met him once.
My heart aches for your sadness and loss. I pray the Spirit of Life surrounds your family with hope and love at this sorrowful time.
Blessings,
Joyce Durkin

Our deepest Sympathy on the passing of Your Son and Grandson. You are in our thoughts and prayers. May God Bless and guide you throw these hard times ahead.

The Stokes/Zook Family

Words cannot express the sympathy I have for your family.  My children go to Nitrauer as well and although they didn’t know Riley, my son Ryan is in the same class with Avery; so we are saying a special prayer for all of you to find peace during this very difficult time.

Lisa Haug

I am stunned and saddened by the news of the loss of your dear son, Riley. My heart is heavy and I can’t imagine the level of pain and loss that you all are experiencing. I, too, have a 4th grader at Nitrauer and cannot comprehend such a tragic loss; my hear breaks for you. God speed to you and your family during this very difficult time.

The Dalessio Family
Joey, Laura, Gracie, Jaden & Ronni

Our deepest sympathy to the entire Bernhardt Family.  We have had the pleasure of being Riley’s next door neighbor for 3 years and always enjoyed  seeing his face and his cheerful hello!  He loved talking to Mike and petting the dogs.  Words cannot express how sorry we are for your loss.  Please know we are always here for you now and in the coming days, weeks and months.

Mike and Susan Hagel and family

Riley was in my class. I miss him a lot.  I’m sorry that he died.  I’m praying for your family.

From,
Lilly witmer

Our deepest sympathies to your family.  Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. 

Mark, Julia, Carolyn and Amanda Livingston (classmate)

To the family of Gregory Riley Bernhardt, I send my deepest heartfelt sympathies.  What a beautiful little boy.  He is with his Aunt Anna now and they are taking care of each other.  I am so sorry for your loss.

Rosann Supino
rsupino11@gmail.com
(friend of Anna Durso and cousin
to Geri Santangini)

I had the pleasure of knowing Riley for the past 2 years as his School Counselor at Nitrauer Elementary School.  I remember Riley as a vibrant child full of life and energy.  He had a great smile and loved to share his thoughts and the things he enjoyed with others.  He always spoke highly of his uncle who he seemed to enjoy spending time with.  I can’t even begin to imagine the depth of grief and loss you are experiencing right now.   My deepest sympathy goes out to you and your whole family.  Please let me know what I can do to help support you and your family during this very difficult time.

Sincerely,
Mrs. Missy Weaver

We are so sorry to hear about the passing of your son ,you are in our thoughts and prayers,blessings to you and your family in this time of need.I pray that God helps you through this unbearable time. Blessings to your family and your son Gregory Riley Bernhardt.

Sincereley,stephanie,
merino, merina calzada and jose lopez

Dear "Uncle" Greg, "Aunt" Shannon, Avery, and Peyton,

     I have no words to express my sorrow. My heart aches for you all. Riley was such an adorable, fun, and energetic boy that I had the pleasure of knowing. Comfort and peace to you all in the days ahead.
                            
Love,
Carlynn Adams

What I’m feeling right now, it’s hard to put into words. I’m so sorry to hear that Riley has passed away. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

From,
Destiny, Cathy and Ike Charles

Our girls go to school at Nitrauer as well.  We send our deepest sympathy to your family during this difficult time.  We’ll be praying for you.

Jeremy, Denise, Morgan and Madison Fulmer

We are so, so sorry to hear of Riley’s passing. He was a GREAT kid, and we enjoyed seeing him outside. He was always friendly and outgoing, full of life and love. Our boys enjoyed seeing him, Peyton and Avery as we would walk together to school. Words simply cannot express the deep sympathy we feel for your family. If there is anything at all we can do, please let us know! Riley will be missed!

Valerie & Shawn Good and family

Dear Greg,Shannon, Hailey, Avery, Peyton, Marie, Jim, Celeste, Annette, Ruthie and family, What a profoundly sad time of great loss. We could not help but cry with, and for, your family circle. We wish there were some way that we could be with you on Saturday as you gather in celebration of Riley’s life, but this time finds us in Scranton. Know that we will pause, lift you up and be one with you in communion at 11:00 a.m. What a tender mercy that the rich legacy of family is that we live in the shelter of one another. May God give you grace sufficient for the day and may HE hold each of you in the palm of His hand. We will continue to offer prayer that this time, and the days to follow, will be as gentle with each of you as possible.

Your friends from St. Leo the Great, Joy and Bill Linton and family

We were heartbroken to hear about Riley as our children attend Nitrauer and our son is in the 4th grade. Sending you many, many blessings and wishing peace for your family. We, too, lost a son and understand and have felt the deep grief you shoulder and will carry with you. Please contact us if you need anything, anything at all.

With our prayers,

Betsy and Doug Jaquith
Drew and Bethany

My prayers and thought are with you and your family. May you find comfort in Riley’s memories. We are so sorry for you loss. May God Bless you and your family. Sincerly, The Potavin family

We were heartbroken to hear of your loss. We are praying for each one of you.

The Chesnutt family
Joe, Jan, Caroline, and Jesse (in Mrs. Burkett’s 4th class)

Dear Greg and Shannon, Our prayers are with you, your children and your parents. Riley was a special little boy, so full of life. We will miss him very much. Why God decided to take him home we do not know. Just believe he is keeping Anna company and she is taking care of your special little boy.

Love you
Ron and Barb

Dear Greg, Shannon, Avery, Peyton, Hailey & family,

Our hearts are heavy & deeply saddened for the loss of Riley. We had the pleasure of discovering Riley’s joy, enthusiasm and zest for the adventures and fun he found along the way when we met him. That is something we can all learn from him.

We hope and pray for you all to find strength, comfort and peace in the days ahead.

Our deepest sympathy,
The Adams Family
Tim, Jodi, Carlynn, Aubry & Quinn

Shannon, I am so very sorry for your loss. My heart breaks for you. You and your family are forever in my prayers.

Desiree Glover

To all the Bernhardt Family,

My heart is deeply saddened by the passing of your dear son, Gregory Riley. My deepest and sincerest sympathy to all of you, and I am keeping you all in my thoughts and daily prayers at this most difficult time. I can only imagine that your son was so very much like his father. Greg, I remember your spirit, your energetic personality, your many talents, and your love and kindness toward others. I am confident that he will now share all of that love and spirit with the others he joins in heaven. Again, my deepest and sincerest sympathy to all of you.

Much love,
Joseph Lively, Jr.
Greg’s 5th Grade teacher

Greg,Shannon and the entire Bernhardt family,Carl,Nancy and David.. We cannot even begin to imagine the heartache and pain you are going through and we know words don’t mean much at this time. Our hearts are heavy and breaking with you. Please know we are with you & I pray God will hold each one of you in the palm of his hand and grant you peace that passes all understanding over the long journey of healing.Riley was a beautiful child you dearly loved but now he is safe in the arms of Jesus and KNOW that one day you will all be together again.

Loretta and Bill Trimble

Shannon and Greg, We are heartbroken for you. Riley was such a wonderful boy. Our kids always check to see if your kids are home when we are at the Hagel’s. You are in our thoughts and prayers during this unimaginable time.

Love The Grimm Family

My deepest sympathy regarding the loss of your son. I am deeply saddened and at a loss. May God assuage your anguish and place his blessings upon your family at this most difficult time.

Sgt. Jeff Jones
Manheim Twp. Police Dept.

Our deepest sympathies to your family. We are keeping your family in our prayers.

The Sharp’s

Dearest Marie and Jim and family,

My deepest condolences and heartfelt love go out to all of you during this very difficult time. You will be in my thoughts and prayers in the days and weeks to come. I believe that Riley is in the care of his Aunt Anna, and they are rejoicing in the Lord together – two Angels that left us much too soon.

Warmest regards,
Donna Lucchesi
(Jacksonville, Fl)

I’m so terribly sorry to hear of the loss of your precious son. Words can be so frivolous in this time of loss, so I offer you a warm heart, and a prayer for peace. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Sincerely, Tricia Stover (friend of Cathy Mull)

I am so sorry to hear of your loss.  I know your younger children through nursery at the Worship Center.  May God’s grace and strength carry your family through these difficult days.  With sympathy and prayers,

The Hoyer Family

I am so sorry for the loss of your precious son Riley!!  I will be praying for your family and hoping that you find some peace & hope in the midst of the tragedy!!!  Knowing that he is in heaven and that you WILL see him again is the promise that we get only through Jesus Christ!! 
God bless you all!!

Stacey McQueen

My deepest sympathies to Riley’s parents and to all his loved ones.  I can only imagine the impact of Riley’s loss to you all.  My prayers and thoughts are with you.  I pray God’s Peace and his Grace on you during this difficult time.

Michelle Gerideau