Schwenksville Firefighter Rich Berardi Passed Away

firefighter Rich Berardi passed away Wednesday, Oct. 5, after a battle with lymphoma. He was 51.

According to his online journal at CaringBridge.org, "I was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma in November 2010. After 4 cycles of R-Chop it was determined that the lymphoma had cloned into a Burkitt's Like Lymphoma."

Mr. Berardi chronicled his journey as a cancer patient in more than 60 pages at CaringBridge, writing about hospitals stays, small victories and setbacks, time with his family, weather, the Phillies, Harry Potter and even modeled a line of spring hats.

Schwenksville Fire Chief Jim Keyser said Mr. Berardi was, "a great asset to us and the community and just a very good friend. Unfortunately for me a very close, personal friend."

Mr. Berardi and his son Phil joined the fire company about eight years ago, Keyser said. Firefighters made a surprise stop at the Berardi house during the December 2010 Santa run, and greeted their fellow volunteer.

Assistant Chief Mark Brasch stated, via e-mail, "Today Schwenksville Fire Company lost a dear friend and brother. You may be gone, Rich, but you will never be forgotten."

Jennifer Brasch wrote in an e-mail message, "He was a wonderful man, and when he smiled it was contagious."

Vicki Fell left the following message on Perkiomen Valley Patch's Facebook wall: "So sorry for the loss of one of our heroes."

A firefighter's service will be held in front of the firehouse after services at R.L. Williams Jr. Funeral Home, Keyser said. The viewing will be from 9-11 a.m., followed by a service at 11:30 a.m.

For those wishing to contribute a memorial donation, a recent CaringBridge entry offers the following information:
"Rich wanted us to let everyone know that in lieu of flowers or Mass cards he would like donations to be sent to the Schwenksville Fire Company where a scholarship fund will be established in his honor.  The address for the fire company is:
The Schwenksville Fire Company
300 Main Street
Schwenksville, PA 19473"