Richard J. Berns, 59 years, of Monroe, MI passed away suddenly on Tuesday, February 1, 2011 after a long battle with cancer.
Richard was born March 8, 1951 in Monroe the son of Charles H. and Clara I. (Croskey) Berns. A 1969 graduate of Monroe High School, Richard went on to attended Eastern Michigan University and served in the National Guard.
Richard moved to Phoenix, AZ in 1984 where he resided until he returned to Monroe in 2009. While living in Phoenix he worked in the furniture business, including La-Z-Boy Showcase Shoppes, and at Gila River Casino.
He married Kathleen (Gesell) Sharpe on February 14, 1987 in Phoenix, AZ and helped to raise her daughter Sarah.
When not working, he liked to compose music. As a teen he played guitar in a local band called the Delarons. He also played the trombone and was a music major in college.
Richard is survived by his wife, Kathleen; stepdaughter Sarah (Jeff) Stetson of Anthem, AZ, his father; Charles H. Berns of Monroe, six brothers and sisters; Gary (Terri) Berns of Temperance, MI, Ronald (Julie) Berns of Monroe, Jeffery (Robin) Berns of Phoenix, AZ, Randy (Lisa) Berns of Temperance, MI, Janet (Ron Reddick) Berns of Monroe, and Judy Berns of Monroe, step grandchildren; Shelby and Landon. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews and great nieces.
Sadly, Richard was preceded in death by his mother on January 3, 1993 and a sister Ginger in April 22, 2009.
A memorial will be held on Friday, February 18, 2011 from 5-8 PM in the Bacarella Funeral Home, 1201 S. Telegraph Rd., in Monroe. Cremation has taken place.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.