Eugene "Gene" Berndt

eugene
Eugene (Gene) Berndt passed away on 28 January 2020. He fought a brave battle against cancer for over 25 years and succumbed to heart failure. He served 30 years in the United States Air Force, rising to the rank of Chief, Master Sargent. He was responsible for maintaining the ground based training systems for thousands of pilots, especially the B-52, a personal favorite. His name is engraved at the Smithsonian Udvar-Hazy Air and Space Museum for his contribution to the world of flight.

Following his Air Force career, he worked as Director of Logistics for Link and Lockheed Martin before moving into telecommunications as a Senior Program Manager for American Systems. He loved working and was devoted to his teams and employees, as they were to him.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Elroy and Gertrude Berndt, his sister Addie Berndt Gabel and her husband Ellis Gabel, his granddaughter Amber McGuigan, and his dear friends Jack and Helen McGuigan.

He is survived by his wife and life partner, Colleen McGuigan, as well as his children Daniel Roberto Berndt McGuigan (Fairfax, VA), Elizabeth Silvia Berndt McGuigan (Alexandria, VA), and Pamela Berndt (Omaha, NE), his close family including Maureen and Kent Kamischke (Highland, MD), Kate and Jesse Murr (Pensacola, FL), Maren Kamischke (Highland, MD), Journey McGuigan (Alexandria, VA) and his sister Dianne Berndt (Phoenix, AZ), as well as many close friends, nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Friday, 31 January 2020 5-8pm, at Money and King Funeral Home, 171 Maple Ave W in Vienna, VA. A Mass will take place on 1 February 2020, at Our Lady of Good Counsel (OLGC), 8601 Wolftrap Rd SE, Vienna, VA 22182. Memorial donations in Gene’s name to Fisher House are appreciated, as he was a staunch supporter of that organization and their mission.

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  1. I miss you Dad. My heart breaks so much right now. You fought a long hard battle. God welcomes you with open arms. Know that I always love you. RIP Daddy. – Elizabeth and Journey McGuigan

  2. Gene and I worked at American Systems together for 16+ years. We had some good conversation, meals and laughs together. He was a kind and gentle person. My thoughts and prayers for his family during this time. May God wrap his arms around you all and comfort you. Sandy Bull

  3. Our thoughts have been with you since we heard the news about Gene. We regret that we will not be in VA for the services, and we want to extend our deepest sympathy to you and your family . It was a delight to have been associated with Gene, and I can only imagine the loss you must feel. In business Gene was fair, respectful and you knew where you stand when he meant business. He was missed when he retired. We will continue to keep him , you and your family in prayer. God Bless you all.

  4. It is very difficult to hear that Gene is gone. He was a great manager & truly a great friend. I will miss him very much & our conversations about life & kids.


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