Bernard V. Charles

For those that unable to attend the service, please click on the link below to view the service live on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at 11am.

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Bernard Vollantine Charles January 8, 1948 – August 23, 2025 Gambrills, MD

Bernard Vollantine Charles was born on January 8, 1948 in Savaneta on the island of Aruba to the late Ormond Milton Curtis Charles and Exalie Aladia Glasgow Charles. He departed on Saturday morning August 23, 2025 at his home in Gambrills, Maryland.

At the age of 8, Bernard and his family moved to St. Vincent and the Grenadines. As a young adult, he worked as a police officer until he emigrated to the United States on his 23rd birthday with his “save all” (i.e., piggy bank) in tow. On November 3, 1973, Bernard married Marcella Charles in Brooklyn, NY. Bernard was no stranger to hard work. While in the United States and for much of his adult life he carried two to three jobs, with a sole focus of providing a better life for his family and saving for the future. At his retirement, Bernard had risen through the ranks to become the head security guard at Mount Sinai Hospital in Brooklyn, New York. Along the way, Bernard made countless friends, many of which he continued to have regular contact.

Bernard often referred to himself as a “simple man”, with few things garnering more importance than the following. First and foremost, family was of utmost importance. Soon after he retired in 2021, he gleefully moved to Maryland to be closer to family. Spending the last few years with his grandchildren brought him indescribable joy. He raved about picking them up from the bus stop, buying them Dunkin Donuts, going to school performances, and attending their sporting events. Similarly, he spoke with his daughter, Nikeshia, several times a day. In his final months, Nikeshia provided loving support as his primary caregiver. His second love was his car. Bernard took special care of every single car that he owned. He was always excited when others would comment on his “showroom shine”. On sunny days, you could find him doing the occasional wipe-down or shining his tires. Finally, playing the lottery was Bernard’s favorite hobby. When his numbers would “hit”, he would often share his winnings with family and even lottery vendors, who knew him by name.

Bernard was preceded in death by his father Ormond Milton Purtis Charles, mother Exalie Aladia Glasgow Charles, two brothers Horace Charles and Godwin Charles, and sister Eoileen Walton. He is survived by his daughter Nikeshia Charles, son Jerrol Charles, daughter-in-law Dr. Jade Wolfman-Charles, two grandsons Shyne Earl and Gable Charles, granddaughter Eden Charles, three sisters, Hyacinth White, Bernice Greene, and Laverne Charles, two brothers Elroy Charles and Kenneth Charles, ex-wife Marcella Charles, and countless nieces and nephews.

Bernard was deeply loved by many and will be remembered for the wisdom, humor, and support he provided to us all.