Obituary of Bernard S. Speckhart

Bernard  S. Speckhart, 90 of Short Hills went peacefully to be with the Lord surrounded by his loving family at home on September 9, 2018.

Born in Newark, Bernard grew up in Maplewood, graduated from Columbia High School in 1945 and Newark College of Engineering in 1949 receiving a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering. Bernard enlisted in the U.S. Air Force serving during the Korean War from 1950-1954.  Upon returning home, Bernard continued his service in the Boy Scouts of America as a Scout Leader of Saint Joseph’s Troop 21 in Maplewood and joined his father and began his career at White Machine Company. An innovative inventor and engineer, Bernard designed and patented many of the garment handling systems still seen in local dry cleaners and industrial laundries to this day.  Bernard spent nearly 64 years working at White eventually taking full ownership and helming what is now White Conveyors.  Bernard married the love of his life Lorraine in 1956. They moved to Short Hills in 1965 and together raised seven children.  The family shared many happy times at their home away from home on Cape Cod. For many years, Bernard was an active parishioner of Saint Rose of Lima in Short Hills. His faith led him to serve others and he held several posts at Saint Rose including the School Board, CCD Teacher, Lector, Eucharistic Minister, Parish Council and assisted in the creation of the Saint Rose of Lima-“Friends of St. Ann’s” Committee alongside  Bishop John J. Dougherty.   As his children grew, so did Bernard’s service within his Catholic community. He went on to become a member in the Serra Club of the Oranges,. The Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem and The Order of the Knights of Malta.   As a member of the Knights of Malta since 1992, Bernard and Lorraine travelled to Lourdes, France on six pilgramages. Bernard will be remembered by the many who loved him as a kind and generous man who cared deeply for his family and extended family. Bernard was predeceased by his parents, Stephen J. and Bernardine C (Woelfl) and brother Vincent J. Speckhart M.D. He is surived by his beloved wife of 62 years  M. Lorraine Stecher Speckhart and seven devoted children:  B. Stephen, Mary L., Donna M. Smith (Peter), Gregory J. (Annika),  Patricia M. Woods (Peter), Mark J. (Danielle) and John J. (Heidi). In addition, Bernard was the proud grandfather to 22 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. He is also survived by sister-in-laws Joan B Stecher of New Providence and Carole A Speckhart of Virginia Beach, VA, as well as so many loving and supportive nieces and nephews. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the  Funeral Mass at  St. Rose of Lima Church, 50 Short Hills Ave, Short Hills, on Monday. September 17, 2018 at 11:15 AM . Interment is Private. Visitation will be held at The Jacob A. Holle Funeral Home on Sunday September 16, 2018 from 2 to 6 PM. In lieu of flowers donations to E.W.T.N. (Eternal World Television Network) 5817 Old Leeds Road, Irondale, AL 35210-2164; www.ewtn.com or The Immaculate Conception Seminary, at Seton Hall University 400 South Orange Ave, South Orange, NJ 07079 would be appreciated.  For more information or to send condolences please visit jacobhollefuneralhome.com.