Megachurch Pastor’s Son Dies of Fatal Asthma Attack
A.R. Bernard, pastor at the megachurch Christian Cultural Center in Brooklyn, New York, has lost his son to a fatal asthma attack. Alfonso Bernard Jr. was 39.
Bernard, Jr. was a talented chef who owned a catering company that served politicians and celebrities, according to the New York Post. He donated food to homeless shelters.
“That was his heart,” his father told the Post. “It was always about helping people.”
Known lovingly as “Fonz” by family and friends, Bernard Jr. is remembered as a chef, culinary enthusiast, entrepreneur, giver who lived life to the fullest. The Post reports his children at first thought he was sleeping.
“His greatest joy was to encourage others to be all they can be,” a GoFundMe page for the Alfonso R. Bernard Jr. Kids Fund says. “He departed this world on Feb. 4, 2015, but left his children to continue his legacy.”
Funeral services for Bernard, Jr. are Thursday at 7:30 PM. He is survived by his father; wife, Janel; and four children ranging in age from 5 to 19. Please pray for the family.