Obituary of Br. Austin Bernabei

Bernabei, Brother Austin, FSC, Ph.D a De La Salle Christian Brother for 62 years, died peacefully at the age of 84 on 2/2/2013 while in hospice care at De La Salle Hall, a skilled nursing facility in Lincroft, NJ. Born in New Rochelle on 7/5/1928, Br. Austin, after completing his primary and secondary education, attended Manhattan College, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering [1950] before entering the De La Salle Christian Brothers Novitiate, Barrytown, NY, that same year and a Master of Science degree [1953] from The Catholic University, Washington, DC. At New York University, Br. Austin earned a Master of Science [1959] and a Doctorate [1964] in Nuclear Physics. Br. Austin completed postdoctoral studies in medical at Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, NYC, in 1981. Br. Austin was a member of many prestigious honor societies and prominent professional organizations. Br. Austin was predeceased by his parents, Ralph Bernabei & Tillie Bernabei Ranellone and an older brother, Raymond. He is survived by his nieces, Rose Fabiano & Regina Heffernan, a nephew, Ralph Bernabei, and many grandnieces & nephews. While his appointments to Manhattan College covered 34 years, Br. Austin’s other assignments were varied both at home in the USA and abroad: New York; Rhode Island; Texas; Bethlehem, Palestine; East & South Africa; St. Vincent, West Indies before retiring at the Christian Brothers’ Residence at Manhattan College in 1997. From Manhattan College, Br. Austin went to De La Salle Hall in 2011. There will be a viewing at Christian Brothers’ Residence, 4415 Post Road, Riverdale, NY on Wednesday, 2/6, 3 pm-6:45 pm. The Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated at Christian Brothers’ Residence at 7:15 pm. Interment will be in a family plot on Thursday, 2/7, at The Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Valhalla, NY. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the De La Salle Nursing Development, 810 Newman Springs Road, Lincroft, NJ 07738 would be appreciated. Arrangements in NY are being handled by Riverdale Funeral Home, Broadway & 214 Street, Inwood, NYC. To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Br. Austin Bernabei, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.