Obituary of Sean Robert Bernard

In 1996, the American punk band, Sublime released a song entitled Love is What I Got. It went something like this: "life is too short, so love the one you got…lovin', is what I got, I said remember that." At the time of its release, Sean Robert Bernard was only 3 years old, but from a young age, he brought those lyrics into practice every, single day. Sean's life was too short. He passed away at age 26 on May 29, 2020. But, during his two-and-a-half-decade adventure on this planet we call earth, his impact was universal. Everyone can agree that Sean stood firmly in his beliefs. His choices and actions were driven by passion and shaded with stubbornness. He was an unabashed vegan, often sustained by avocadoes, sweet potatoes, and the occasional tofurkey sausage. He explored his spirituality and shamelessly challenged others to consider the eternal nature of the soul as well as the interconnectedness of all beings. And, he unapologetically pushed his family and friends to seek their own truth. Sean was inspiringly and, sometimes annoyingly, good at everything. He developed "master" bowling skills in elementary school, driving his older sister to cry in the bathroom in defeat. Down at the Jersey shore, he was the only kid able to stand up on his boogie board as if he were Kelly Slater. And, after taking up powerlifting, he deadlifted four times his bodyweight with ease. His ambition was limitless. He graduated from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University with a degree in Industrial Engineering. But, engineer does not encompass his skill set. He was a true entrepreneur. He dabbled in sustainable farming, online marketing, and graphic design. If given more time, he could have done anything with a guarantee of success. When he wasn't brainstorming his next big idea at his standing desk and white board, there were a few places you could find him. He might be on the slopes attempting risky snowboarding tricks—before and after breaking his collar bone on a box rail. He loved to mountain bike in Allamuchy and beat his baby brother at tennis. And, even in the most unusual places, Sean would whip out his guitar to serenade and entertain. He never judged anyone. He could infuriate you one second and have you rolling on the floor laughing the next. He forgave fully without expecting anything in return. Above all, he brought joy to every person he met, whether he knew them for five minutes, three days, or a lifetime. His memory will be cherished and celebrated by his parents, Robert Bernard and Sharon Maloney-Bernard; siblings, Brian Bernard and Jenna (Charlie) Bock; grandmothers, Connie Bernard and Mary Maloney; and the countless family and friends Sean touched throughout his life. Seany B. will forever be. Out of abundance of love and due to the restrictions of "social distancing", the family has prudently chosen to hold Sean's services privately. Arrangements are entrusted to Leber-Lakeside Funeral Home, 150 Landing Road, Landing, NJ.