Bernard Churilla

Churilla, Bernard Stephen Born May 20, 1930 in Pittsburgh, PA to Herman and Mildred (Good) Churilla. Bernie passed away surrounded by family on October 27, 2006 in Coon Rapids. Bernie grew up in the Lawrenceville area of Pittsburgh and graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1948. He served in the U.S. Air Force for 4 years and was united in marriage with his high school sweetheart Joan Fleming on August 23, 1951 at St. Kieran's Catholic Church in Pittsburgh, PA. Their marriage was blessed with eight children as they resided in Massachusetts, Delaware, Pennsylvania and Ohio, before settling in Coon Rapids, MN in 1963. Bernie and his wife Joan were among the founding members of Epiphany Catholic Church in Coon Rapids and Bernie served as an usher. In 1983, Bernie and Joan began their company - ?Bernie Churilla Marketing', a distributor for woodworking equipment and tooling. The company continues today with vendors and customers ranging from the regional Midwest to across the nation. He is survived by his eight children, David of Dayton, MN, Dennis (Sue Murphy) of Minneapolis, MN, Cynthia (Ron) Leisey of Dallas, TX, Douglas (Jean) of St. Paul, Linda (Steve) Hawk of Anoka, MN, Melissa (Jeff) Lambrech of Circle Pines, MN, Pamela (Gary) Robinson of New York Mills, MN and Daniel (Lisa) Elias-Churilla of Minneapolis, MN; also survived by 13 grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and numerous nieces/nephews. He is also survived by his sister, Anna Marie (James) Hanlon and sisters-in-law, Margaret Galla, Ellen Bongartz and Sr. Rosemary Fleming all of Pittsburgh, PA. He is preceded in death by his wife, Joan; his parents, Herman & Millie; brothers-in-law, John & Tom Fleming, Joseph Galla and Roy Bongartz; sisters-in-law, Mitzi Fleming and Rosella Fleming. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to the family to enhance local carpentry education programs. Interment Epiphany Catholic Church Cemetery. Mass of Christian Burial Tuesday 11 AM at the Church of Epiphany, 111th Ave & Hanson Blvd NW. Visitation one hour prior to Mass at the church and also Monday 4-8 PM with prayers at 7 PM at: Washburn-McReavy Coon Rapids Chapel 763-767-1000 1827 Coon Rapids Blvd.

Bernard Churilla

October 30, 2006

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