Bernard Joseph Giarratano, 82, of Katy, Texas, passed away on January 16, 2017, in Richmond, Texas.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, January 25, 2017, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Orange, Texas. Officiating will be Father Joseph P. Daleo. Burial will follow at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery in Orange.
Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., with a Rosary held at 6:00 p.m., Tuesday, at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange.
Born in St. Louis, Missouri, on March 31, 1934, Bernard was the son of Tony and Mary Giarratano. He was a member of St. Edith Stein Catholic Church in Katy but grew up attending St. Mary Catholic Church in Orange. Bernard was a wonderful man who touched every life he met in a positive way. He will be greatly missed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Betty Em Giarratano; his parents; and his brother, Frank Giarratano.
Those left to cherish his memory include his son, Scott Giarratano, of Katy; grandchildren, Hayden and Shaine Giarratano; and his brother, Joe Giarratano, of Beaumont, Texas.
Condolences
Mike Helm
January 25, 2017
As fundamentally decent a person as I've known. For the kindness you brought to this world, for the levity, and for your booming laughter, I thank you. Oh, your laughter... -Your nephew, Mike Helm
Martha Giarratano
January 24, 2017
Bernard is my brother-in-law and wise and loving informal counselor to Joe and me as newly weds. We had long and thoughtful conversations often spurred on by Betty Em's probing questions. We were always invited to their house during Christmas holidays for long conversations, spaghetti, er, pasta and suga, meatballs and Italian sausage. And a Christmas present. On visits to Bernard in Katy, on non-dialysis days, he made his own happiness. Then he shared it with me, along with mint to transplant in my yard. He loved his OWL friends in Katy. So many people are better folks for having known Bernard. Martha G
Anonymous
January 24, 2017
Divine Peace Bouquet was purchased for the family of Bernard Joseph Giarratano.
Darlene & David Schaub
January 24, 2017
We share grandchildren with Bernard and are grateful for the wisdom and love he gave Grandsons Shaine and Hayden. We are also grateful for the same wisdom and love he gave his step-granddaughter Tarah. The kids will miss Bernard as will we all who knew him. Darlene & David Schaub Houston Tx
Claybar Funeral Home
January 24, 2017
46 files added to the album LifeTributes
Lyn Helfrich
January 23, 2017
I agree with all the things said about this man. He is a class act and I am grateful to God that our paths crossed. I met Bernard at St. Edith Stein in Katy and had a chance to visit with him on occasion. I was always impressed with his knowledge of theology and his humility. He also had a good sense of humor and was an all around delightful person to know. I wish I had had the opportunity to know him better. I knew he was not in good health and his appearance at Mass faithfully, always dressed to the nines, was and will be an inspiration for me as I live out the rest of my life. To you, his family, I send deepest sympathy for your loss. And to Bernard, rest in peace, faithful servant. Lyn Helfrich Katy, Texas
Jeep Helm
January 23, 2017
Bernard was married to my sister, Betty Em, in the same summer Bert and I got married. As young couples, growing families, and as older couples, we always had good times together, especially at numerous family gatherings and even some vacations. We built lots of memories when we celebrated our 25th together in London and at tennis matches at Wimbledon! My admiration for Bernard includes his long career in social work, mostly in Beaumont, where he touched the lives of many more people than we can know about. We will all miss him very much. Jeep Wall Helm
Kelly Helm Smith, Niece
January 23, 2017
Thank you for showing me how to live in community, and for wise counsel on raising a family, such as, sometimes the only way out is to keep muddling through, and kids may need attention a lot more than they need space.
Allen Lyttle & Christine Moore
January 23, 2017
Allen Lyttle & Christine Moore purchased the Divine Peace Bouquet for the family of Bernard Joseph Giarratano.
Lynda, Patrick, Barbara & Kathy
January 22, 2017
Lynda, Patrick, Barbara & Kathy purchased the Sentiments of Serenity Spray for the family of Bernard Joseph Giarratano.
Lynda Burchett
January 22, 2017
Always a class act! We will miss you greatly, Lynda & Patrick