Bernhard A Greenfield

Bernhard A. Greenfield passed away peacefully in his sleep on January 6, 2020 at the age of 90 years old.  Bernie was the son of the late Max and Dorothy Wippermueller Greenfield.  He was born in New York, New York on May 25, 1929.

In 1947 Bernie enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps at the age of 18, and was trained as a remote control turret mechanic and also as an aircraft and engine mechanic.  He was stationed at Castle Air Force Base, California.  During the Korean War Conflict, he served with the 21st Troop Carrier Detachment in Korea as an Aircraft Mechanic.  When the Army Air Corp split into separate branches, Bernie enlisted with the United States Air Force and remained in the military for 21 years retiring in 1968 as a M/Sgt as an Aircraft Maintenance Supervisor.  While in service, he completed overseas tours in the Philippines, Japan, France, Germany and Belgium.  Bernie received a certificate from the Disabled American Veterans in appreciation for his valuable and devoted service and performance of duty while serving in the Armed Forces of the United States during time of conflict.  He also received the Korean Service Medal with 3 service stars and a Bronze Arrowhead, United Nations Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal and many others.

Bernie also was a member of the Presidential Squadron at Washington National Airport and flew on Air Force 1 when Harry Truman served as President of the United States.

While stationed at Andrews Air Force Base in Washington D.C., he met his beautiful future bride, Ima Jean Stacks, deceased in January 2017.  They married in 1952 and were together for 64 years. 

After retiring from the Air Force, Bernie worked at Playtex in Dover for nine years as a mechanic.  Then in 1977 he went back to school on the G. I. Bill and earned his B.A. in History and M.A. in Social Work.  He attended Delaware State College and graduated with honors.  Bernie, then changed his career course and became a Juvenile Probation Officer and Family Court counselor from 1980 to 1984 and a Probation Officer with the Department of Services for Children, Youth and their Families from 1984 to 1994.  He retired in 1994 after 14 years.

Bernie served as President of Aid Association to Lutherans (AAL), Branch 1416, for one year and Vice-President for 10 years.  Also, through AAL, he was a sponsor of 801 House for Disturbed Children.  He was a great advocate for troubled teens.

Bernie was an active member of the Dover Kiwanis Club for many years.  He served as President, Vice-President, Secretary and Board Member.  He received Kiwanian of the Year Award and Life Membership was granted in 1988 from Capital District Kiwanis Foundation, Inc.

He was a member of the Governor’s Advisory Counsel for Exceptional Citizens appointed by then Governor Thomas R. Carper.  He was also a member of the Department of Education Partners Council for Children with Disabilities.  It was a two year appointment.  Bernie was also a member of the Capital School District Strategic Planning Committee.

He was a member of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Dover.

He was also a great supporter of the Democratic Party; never missed a political meeting or function.

During his younger and mid-life, Bernie played baseball, bowling, golf, and every weekend he could be found on the water in his fishing boat.  In 1969 he was awarded a Delaware Citation for Outstanding Catch on Rod & Reel in Delaware.  He caught, and actually brought home, a 190 lb. shark.  In 1970 he was awarded another Citation for a 1 lb. – 4 ½ oz. king fish.

He was a member of many Civic and Military Associations during his life.  He was a life member of the Air Force Sergeants Association (AFSA).

Bernie is survived by his 4 children, Adam Greenfield of MA, Adriene Greenfield of DE, David Greenfield (Kathy) of MA and Sharon Greenfield Cohee (Don) of DE.  He had five grandchildren, Brian Greenfield, Jonathan Greenfield, Caleb Greenfield, Corey Cohee (Kelli) and Jason Cohee (Stacey) and four great-grandchildren.  He is also survived by his sister, Caroline Richter of DE and a niece and nephew.

A graveside service with military honors will be held at 11:00 A.M. Friday, January 31, 2020 at Barratt’s Chapel Cemetery, 6486 Bay Road, Frederica, DE  19946. 

Donations in lieu of flowers, can be made to the First State Animal Center and SPCA, in memory of Bernhard A. Greenfield; 32 Shelter Circle, Camden, DE 19934 or online at www.fsac-spca.org

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