Peter F. Bermel

Peter F. Bermel, age 89, passed away on October 21, 2017. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Barbara Jean Clark Bermel. Pete and Bobbie, as they are known to their friends, have had a wonderful life together. After graduating from the University School of Mines and Metallurgy with a degree in engineering, Pete spent two years in the Army before starting a 47-year career with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), rising from work in the field to become the Assistant Director for Plans and Programs, a position that made him one of three permanent witnesses each year before the Interior Budget Committee. He received the Meritorious Civil Servant Award from President George H.W. Bush and the Distinguished Service Award from the Department of the Interior. He was a charter member of the Senior Executive Service created by President Carter. He was a member of the Explorers Club and served a term as President of the Antarctica Society. Over the years, he and Bobbie traveled to some amazing locations, including the Everglades, Big Cypress Swamp, and Isle Royale National Wilderness Park, where Pete worked on mapping. His greatest achievements included leading two expeditions to the South Pole, and he was a recognized expert on Antarctica. The Bermel Escarpment and the Bermel Peninsula are named after him, with the latter honor being bestowed on him by the United Kingdom. Another passion that both Pete and Bobbie enjoyed was barbershop singing. Pete was a member of the Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Quartet Singing in America (aka The Barbershop Harmony Society) for 54 years, serving in many capacities. He was a member of the Fairfax Jubil-Aires for all of those 54 years and a dual member of the Mount Vernon Harmony Heritage Singers for 9 years. Pete was dedicated to preserving this wonderful genre of uniquely American music. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, November 11, 2017 at 2 p.m. at the Lord of Life Lutheran Church, 5114 Twinbrook Rd, Fairfax, VA 22032. In lieu of flowers, gifts can be made in Peter Bermel’s memory online at harmonyfoundation.org, by calling them at (866) 706-8021, or mailing your gift to HFI at 110 Seventh Ave. N., Suite 200; Nashville, TN 37203. Be sure to let them know it is a memorial gift in memory of Peter Bermel.