Bernardo Bava

Bernardo Bava was born on November 4, 1946 in San Giovanni in Fiore, Italy, the first of three children of Antonio and Vittoria (Spadafora). Being born shortly after World War II, times were not easy and the struggles of those times contributed to his lifelong compassion for those in need. In 1958, the family that now included his sister Rosa emigrated to Mulhouse, France. He came to the United States in January 1961 to pursue the American Dream, learning the language quickly and excelling in school. He took his role as the oldest seriously, guiding and teaching his sister, Rosa and brother, Robert. He was always there when they needed his strength and had a unique ability to provide words of comfort no matter the situation. He also took care of his parents from the young age of 18, driving them wherever they needed to go in the first family car, being their window to the New World and to being their care taker in their elder years. Bernardo loved his nieces and nephew bestowing them regularly with chocolates, keeping abreast of all their activities and always encouraging their artistic pursuits. He owned B.C. Global, an importer of electrical motors. But he was so much more. He was a master of language-truly understanding the beauty and power of words. He spoke Italian, French, Spanish and English fluently. He even had rudimentary knowledge of German and Russian. He was a diplomat: a peacemaker, a true pacifist. He loved unabashedly with all his heart. He believed in the decency of all human beings. He found true happiness and pleasure in simple things such as sharing a laugh, a meal or gardening. He was a free spirit, accepting all of our differences, even if he didn't agree with you. Bernardo also enjoyed parties, fine dining and travel and fashion. Consider yourself lucky if he cooked one of his delicious meals for you! He had a passion for photography. Many people are lucky to own one of the beautiful photographs he would take. He was an avid writer, authoring numerous short stories and novellas. We all know he loved to read. There is no book or author he did not know. He believed books could and do take you to places your mind could not imagine. It was wonderful and enlightening to have these intellectual conversations with him. He was truly an artist. After a brief illness, he died in the arms of his family on December 22, 2014. How befitting a man that loved his family so purely and true. We are sure he his laughing and dancing with Pa, our Dad, taking pictures of God's gardens and the angels. We take from him his example of true love and goodness to better ourselves. Bernardo is the beloved son of Vittoria and the late Antonio; Dear brother of Rosa (Victor) Valenti and Robert (Giovanna) Bava; Loving uncle and Godfather to Antonio Valenti and Alyssa Bava and Uncle to Sabrina Bava, Grace Bava and Vittoria Valenti. He is survived and remembered by aunts and uncles: Barbara (Giovanni) Tangaro, Giovanni (Emilia) Bava, Luigi (Yolanda) Bava, Salvatore (Bettina) Bava and Filomena (the late Giuseppe) Peluso along with numerous cousins. A scholarship fund will be established in his memory at Wayne State University for students pursuing knowledge in literature and fine arts.

Bernardo Bava

November 4, 1946 - December 22, 2014