When asked about his final arrangements, Bernie commented that he wanted to leave the world as quietly as he entered.

He was born March 27, 1930 into a family of six in the coal-mining town of Exeter, Pennsylvania.

As a young man, he moved to New Jersey in search of work, and there he met and married Virginia M. Dees in 1951. For 60 years, he devoted his life to his wife and the 10 children they raised together in Dunellen, N.J.

True to his Depression-era roots and humble upbringing, he lived modestly and frugally, working every angle to provide for his family.

He held multiple jobs and was a self-taught Realtor, purchasing and managing multiple properties. His longest work position was in the laboratories of the Union Carbide Corporation in Bound Brook, N.J.

While at Union Carbide, he held various officer positions in the Oil, Chemical and Atomic Workers International Union, from which he derived tremendous satisfaction, including his work as a union arbitrator. He co-owned and managed The Boardwalk, a themed restaurant in New Brunswick, N.J. that featured Jersey Shore food, including their famous hot chicken wings.

Throughout the demanding years of raising 10 children, he was a steadfast and faithful provider and father. His unabashed determination to provide for his family led to a lifetime passion for investing and finance that sustained him into his final days.

When he wasn’t reading about finance or monitoring the stock markets, Bernie was known for his sense of humor, coupon cutting, his mischievous grin, and the occasional outburst of song, as well as his love of a good bargain, good Italian food and trips to New York City. He also demonstrated tremendous and selfless dedication to the care of his wife during her final years.

He loved the home and life he shared with Virginia in Bainbridge Island, and treasured the 10 years he and Virginia spent living in Maui.

He is predeceased by his wife, Virginia M. Klimek, his five siblings (Joseph, John, Elizabeth, Willard and Andrew) and his son Matthew. He is survived by nine of his 10 children, including Bernie Klimek of Tucson, Arizona; Catherine Klimek of San Francisco, California; Thomas Klimek of Toluca Lake, California; Robert Klimek of Portland, Oregon;, Robin Klimek, of Alamo, California; Trish Klimek of Bainbridge Island; Virginia Klimek of Parlin, N.J.; Martin Klimek of Oakland, California; and Vincent Klimek of Tacoma. Surviving grandchildren include Elizabeth Salinas of Mountain House, California; Clarissa Klimek of Portland, Oregon; Evan Galloway of Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Hero Klimek-Brooks, Lore Klimek-Brooks, Melou Klimek-Brooks of Tacoma, Washington, Matthew Klimek of Austin, Texas; Ashley Koehler of Twentynine Palms, California; Alyssa Klimek of Austin, Texas; Andrew Klimek of South Plainfield, N.J.; and Dustin Klimek of Bethany Beach, Delaware. Great-grandchildren include Jose Hackbarth and Aaron Hackbarth of Livermore, California.

His family sought the best care possible for Bernie in his final months and found it in the ever vigilant care of the nursing staff at the Wyatt House on Bainbridge Island and Hospice of Kitsap County, where he was cared for and loved – a well-deserved final chapter in his life.

Bernie requested that his ashes be scattered in the waters of Maui to join those of his wife. Although he wanted to leave the world quietly, his place in our lives will be sorely missed and a joyous celebration of his life will be held in Maui next January, where he and his wife spent their happiest years.

For more information and to sign the online guest book for the family, visit www.cookfamilyfuneralhome.com.