John F. Bernard ’49

John died Jan. 12, 2018, in Princeton. He and his wife, Peggy, had lived there for many years, with a summer home in Washington, Vt.

John came to Princeton after three years in the Army. He majored in history, joined Tiger Inn, and played varsity hockey and lacrosse. In 1958 he joined with ’49er Mel Dickenson to form an insurance agency, providing property and casualty insurance locally and to organizations like the USA Amateur Hockey Association.

Hockey was the love of John’s life; he not only was a gifted player, but he also coached and officiated in many teams and leagues. He founded the Youth Hockey Program in Montclair and the Pee Wee Hockey League in Princeton. He was a founding director of the United States Hockey Hall of Fame and was also one of the first honorees, recognizing his 30 years of service to USA Hockey. This brief obituary cannot adequately describe John’s enormous contribution to hockey — he was known as “Mr. Hockey.”

John was predeceased by Peggy. He is survived by children Shelley, Jay, and Peter. To them, we offer our deepest sympathy.