John Bernola

JOHN BERNOLA, 89, of Follansbee, WV passed away on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at WVU Medicine – Weirton. Born on May 31, 1935, in Burgettstown, John was the son of Guilio and Delia Carnali Bernola and the only brother to his four sisters. A graduate of Follansbee High School, Class of 1953, John soon answered the call to serve his country, enlisting in the United States Army. He was stationed in Germany, where he honorably fulfilled his duty. On August 22, 1959, John married the love of his life, Anna Falkowski, and together they built a beautiful life filled with love, laughter, and devotion. They were blessed with four children—two sons and two daughters—who, along with seven grandchildren and a great-granddaughter, were the center of his world. For 38 years, John worked tirelessly as a welder on the pickler lines in the strip steel at Weirton Steel. Outside of work, he found joy on the golf course, sharing rounds and laughs with his closest friends. Even as they aged and played less, their friendships remained strong, gathering at Nana’s and Twisters for good food, great conversation, and lasting camaraderie. Around his home he loved to cut grass on his tractor. His children fondly remember the Drive Inn movies they went to with their dad. John had a personality as dynamic as it was endearing—funny, flirty, grumpy, friendly, and always personable. He had a thirst for knowledge and embraced modern technology, delighting in Facebook conversations and sending GIFs to his family, much to their amusement. Above all, he cherished his family, especially his grandchildren and great-granddaughter, who brought him endless joy. In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his sisters, Marian Macaluso, Bonita Boni and little Joann Bernola, and his daughter in law, Brenda Dailey. He will be remembered with love by his wife Ann; his three sons, Michael Bernola, David (Lori) Bernola, and Joachim Capitanio; his two daughters, Denise (Bryan) Parker and Victoria (Robert) Richardson; his Sister, Kathy Bernola; his grandchildren, Eric, Zachary (Jessica), and Emily Parker, Alexis and Austin Poppell, and Olivia and Isabella Bernola; his great granddaughter, Bexley Coleman; his great-grandson who is due in April of 2025, Mateis Parker; and his dog Lacey. Visitation was held Friday, March 14, 2025, at the Greco-Hertnick Funeral Home, Weirton. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Saint Paul’s Roman Catholic Church, Weirton. The West Virginia National Guard and the American Legion Honor Guards rendered military honors at the conclusion of the Mass. He was cremated after the services. Share tributes at www.grecohertnick.com.