Bernard Walter Rardin

Bernard Walter Rardin, 96, passed away Friday, May 12, 2023 at his home. He was born May 29, 1926 in Akron, Ohio to Fred and Cecilia (McShefferty) Rardin and lived most of his life in the area. He graduated from Akron East High School. On June 17, 1944, just days after his graduation, he volunteered for immediate induction into the United States Marine Corp. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 25th Marine Detachment, 4th Marine Division. With them, Bernard fought in the Battle of Iwo Jima for 31 straight days. Most of his fellow Marines did not make it off that island and Bernie spent his entire life serving Jesus Christ in thanksgiving for his survival.
When he returned home in 1946, he attended the University of Cincinnati where he met his wife of 67 years, Roberta. He supported her and his family of 5 children by working with his father at Rardin Brothers Excavating and Mining Company in Akron. At the age of 72, he retired from John David Jones Engineering in Cuyahoga Falls. He loved to swim, hike, travel and attend Walsh Jesuit High School football games. He was dedicated to his family and loved to host family gatherings where he perfected open-fire corn roastings and "officiated" family games where his grandchildren always won. He was a man of great faith-he prayed for an hour every day and he dedicated his life to his family, friends and all people in need.
Bernie was preceded in death by his wife, Roberta (Salzman), and his daughter and son-in-law Clarissa and Jerry Cleland. He is survived by his children Rev. Thomas (Christine) Rardin, Gerry (Jan) Rardin, Elizabeth (Joseph) Fisher and Robert (Tracey) Rardin; grandchildren Sarah Ann (Donald) Vroman, Rebekah (Christopher) Sperling, Hannah (Casey) Welch, Luke (Nicole) Cleland, Maureen (Jason) Pittman, Paul (Gina) Cleland, Mary Cleland, Tony (Kristin) Cleland, Hope (Brian) Hoffer, Stefanie (Doug) Bollock, Abby (Brent) Grider, David (Lauren) Rardin, Jennifer Kasper, Maria (Aaron) Baer, Joseph (Julia) Fisher, Lisa Rardin and Catherine Rardin, as well as 28 great grandchildren.
The family would like to thank all the caregivers and staff of the Gables of Green and the angels on earth of Traditions Health Hospice that lovingly cared for Bernie.
The family will receive friends on Friday, May 19, from 5-7 pm at the Anthony Funeral Home Kucko-Anthony-Kertesz Chapel, 1990 S, Main St. in Akron. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, May 20, 10:00 am, at Queen of Heaven Catholic Church, 1800 Steese Rd. in Green. Interment will full military honors will immediately follow at Holy Cross Cemetery in Akron. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Walsh Jesuit High School Alumni Parent Support or Traditions Health Hospice of Akron.