Bernard Daniel Jankowski's Obituary
Bernard D. Jankowski “Bernie,” 92 years old, passed peacefully on the evening of July 15, 2025, surrounded by loved ones in Annapolis, Maryland. Bernie was born in Mount Carmel, Pa., on October 19, 1932 to his parents Bernard C. Jankowski and Pierina Jankowski.
He graduated from Mount Saint Mary’s College and received an advanced degree in education from Penn State University. He served active duty in the Navy in the 1950s and later had a long career as Captain in the Navy Reserve. After his active Navy service, he settled in the DC metro area and worked for the Federal Government for 25 years before finishing out his career with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. He later moved back to his home region and started a career as an entrepreneur in Shamokin, Pa., starting a nursing home and a clothing store with his wife, Peggy.
Bernie was a devoted father and husband. Peggy, his wife of 50 years, and Bernie were inseparable and traveled extensively throughout the U.S. and through Europe. He attended many of his son’s Bernie’s basketball games and enabled his daughter, Marylynne to purse her passion in horseback riding. Bernie loved family celebrations. He and Peggy put on many memorable parties at their Shamokin home. He loved shopping for antiques and art and his homes were filled with tasteful objects and paintings he had picked up through his travels. Bernie loved discussing politics, training and development and was quick to engage in lively discussions of the major topics of the day. He also loved history and often spent peaceful hours reading biographies of the founding fathers. This interest moved him to take continuing education classes into his 80s at Bucknell University. Bernie loved our country and had a firm belief that the United States is a manifestation of Divine Guidance and intervention.
Bernie made friends with his curiosity and wit wherever he went. He moved easily through different worlds of business, government, social engagements and family events.
Bernie is survived by his son, Bernard and his wife Kathy, and his daughter, Marylynne and her husband Ned, six grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Bernie’s funeral will be held on July 24 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Danville, Pa., at 11:30 a.m.
What’s your fondest memory of Bernard?
What’s a lesson you learned from Bernard?
Share a story where Bernard's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Bernard you’ll never forget.
How did Bernard make you smile?