Charles Dick Berardo

Funeral Mass for SGM, retired, Charles Dick Berardo, 87, will be celebrated at 11:00 AM, Saturday, February 4, 2017 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 3600 Devine Street, Columbia, SC 29205. Monsignor Richard Harris will officiate. The family will greet friends from 5:00 - 7:00 PM, Friday, February 3, 2017 at Thompson Funeral Home of Lexington, 4720 Augusta Road, Lexington. Charles passed away Wednesday, February 1, 2017. Born in Meridian, Mississippi, he was a son of the late Charles Bednie and Alice Elizabeth Beasley Dick. Charles served his country faithfully in the U.S. Army for 30 years as a musician. He retired as the Bandleader of the 282nd Army Band. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army of Occupation Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, and Good Conduct Medal. He served overseas in Korea and Germany. Following his military service, he obtained his degree from Midlands Technical College in computer science. He retired from Policy Management Systems after 12 years of service. Family was central to his life, and his military service was key in maintaining his focus on his family, despite the sacrifices he made. Charles was a loving husband, father, grandfather and brother who will be dearly missed. He is survived by his children; son, John Charles Berardo (Anne Keats); daughter, Elisa Berardo Rose (Kenneth); son, Carlo Anthony Berardo (Linda Smith); 5 grandchildren; sister, Maryjean Breedlove (Wesley "Butch") and extended family. In addition to his parents, Charles was predeceased by his loving wife of 58 years, Gilda Ventresca Berardo. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675; Disabled American Veterans, 511 Violet St, West Columbia, SC 29169; or St. Joseph Catholic Church, 3600 Devine Street, Columbia, SC 29205.