Bernard P. Harvilla, government retiree
Bernard P. “Bernie” Harvilla, 75, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2023, at home in Lewes. He was born in Brownsville, Pa., to John and Eulanda Harvilla.
Following high school and computer school, he moved to Northern Virginia and began his career with the federal government. After a time at the Pentagon, he joined the U.S. Army Computer Systems Command, starting as a computer operator, then a systems programmer, and lastly, an IT supervisor, retiring in 2003. He loved his job, and his co-workers became like family. They did many social activities together, such as volleyball, tennis, bowling, camping, pig roasting, the MS Walk, WVU football games, and whitewater rafting. When he started computer work, the machines took up a whole room. By the time he retired, you could fit one in the palm of your hand.
After vacationing for many years at Rehoboth Beach, he and Betty bought a part-time home in 1984. Once retired, they moved to their permanent home at Bay Crossing in Lewes in 2006. They immediately felt at home, and new neighbors became close friends as they worked together to build their new community.
He was predeceased by his parents; brother, John Thomas Harvilla; and beloved dogs. Bernie is survived by his wife of 43 years, Betty Harvilla; his children, Greg Harvilla of Springfield, Va., Marsha Harvilla of Springfield, and Kelly Cooper (Phin) of Alexandria, Va; sister, Norene Pringle (Bill) of Fairfax, Va.; nephews, Kevin Pringle (Christina) and their daughters, Jeff Pringle (Mari) and their daughter, and Andrew Harvilla (Lisa) and their daughter; and many cousins.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 4, at Lutheran Church of Our Savior, 20276 Bay Vista Road, Rehoboth Beach, where friends may visit beginning at 10 a.m. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to Lutheran Church of Our Savior; National Kidney Foundation, kidney.org; or an animal shelter/rescue group of choice.
Visit Mr. Harvilla’s Life Memorial webpage and sign his virtual guestbook at parsellfuneralhomes.com.
