Remembering Rich Berardi on the Anniversary of His Death

Schwenksville Fire Fighter Richard Berardi passed away from lymphoma a year ago today, and his memory is still live in the community.

"A year ago today we lost a devoted member, friend, and brother," Schwenksville Fire Company posted on its Facebook wall.  "A man that would do anything to help you, knowing you or not. It is in his honor and memory that we continue on, staying strong, and push through to the next day. RIP Richard Berardi"

Berardi, who as 51 at the time of his death, chronicled his journey with the disease on caringbridge.org, which is still available to read.

According to a Patch article, Berardi and his son Phil joined the fire company eight years before he passed. During the December 2010 Santa run, firefighters made a surprise stop at the Berardi residence.

In lieu of donations at the time of his passing, Berardi requested that a scholarship fund be established in his name with the Schwenksville Fire Company. 

The fire company held their first annual "Rich Berardi 5K" last week, with all proceeds going to the fund.