Bernard was born in New Orleans, La. to the union of Thelma and Robert Beaco. He was the second child in this family. He had two sisters, Audrey and Lois, and one brother, Reginald.

He attended Gilbert Academy in New Orleans, La. and graduated from Southern University in Baton Rouge, La. He met the love of his life, Dolores Berard, while attending Southern. Bernard received a Masters' Degree from Vandercook College of Music in Chicago, Ill. He received a Specialist in Education degree from McNeese State University.

He married Dolores in June 1955; the couple was married for 62 years before she preceded him in death. The couple was blessed with a daughter in 1958, Yolande Renee. Bernard moved to Lake Charles for his first teaching assignment at W.O. Boston High School in 1954. He served as band director at Boston until the school's closing and was band director at Lake Charles-Boston High School for two years before retiring. Bernard served as the director of the C.A.S.E., Inc. afterschool tutorial program for several years after retiring from the Calcasieu Parish School System.

Bernard was very active in the community. He was a devoted member of St. Henry's Catholic Church for many years where he served as an usher. He also belonged to several religious organizations including: the Knights of St. Peter Claver, the Lake Charles SERRA Club, and the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem where he held the rank of Knight Grand Cross. He served many years as a member of the Board of Directors (two terms as president) of the Southwest Louisiana Convention and Visitor's Bureau.

He was a life member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, (initiated in 1949 at Southern University). He was very active in the Lake Charles Alumni Chapter. Bernard was an active participant in several Mardi Gras organizations. He was a founding member of Krewe de Classique and was a charter member of the Krewe de Charlie Sioux. He was a member of the Board of Directors for Mardi Gras of Southwest Louisiana.

He was a great mentor and role model. Left to cherish his memory are daughter Yolande Harden (Jeff Lupis) of Reno, NV.; grandson Jason Scott (Lake Charles) and great-grandchildren Janiya and Jakorei Scott (Waldorf, MD and Fredericksburg, VA.); sisters, Audrey Beaco Celistan and Lois Beaco Holloway both of Baton Rouge, LA; brother, Reginald Beaco, Sr. of New Orleans, LA; sisters-in-law Cheryl Beaco (New Orleans, LA), Camilla Berard (Houston, TX), and Sandra Berard (New York, NY); one brother-in-law Alexander (Webb) Berard (New York, NY); and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Note: Attendance at the viewing and the funeral service is limited due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Masks are required and social distancing will be implemented. The funeral service will be live streamed at the following link to facilitate remote viewing:

https://www.facebook.com/sthenrycc/video .