Bernie Marchalonis, 80, of Barnesville, PA, passed away on Thursday, February 4, 2021, at Halifax Health Medical Center in Daytona Beach, FL.

Born in Mahanoy City, PA on February 26, 1940, Bernie was the son of the late Catherine (Rudis) and Bernard Anthony Marchalonis.  He grew up in Mahanoy City with his three sisters and worked as a child in his parent's corner grocery store and summers at Locust Lake.  Bernie was a regular attendee of Saint Teresa of Calcutta Church in Mahanoy City.  He graduated from Mahanoy City HS in 1958 and from East Stroudsburg State College in 1962 with a BS in Education.  Bernie was a top-scoring MVP athlete who played basketball in high school and in college.

Immediately after college, Bernie began his 35-year career as an educator at Mahanoy Area, teaching high school biology and geography to thousands of students.  Known affectionately by students as "Mr. Marsh", he regularly entertained students with jokes and puns while teaching world capitals and "photosynthesis".  For many years Bernie was the "voice of MAHS football", announcing home games in the stadium.  He also assisted as a band chaperone for away games and field trips.  In retirement, Bernie volunteered at Meals on Wheels and provided care and support for many friends and relatives.

Bernie met the love of his life while lifeguarding on the shores of Beach Haven, NJ.  Mary Ellen (Plumb) was a waitress in Beach Haven who was introduced to Bernie on a double date.  So began a partnership that would continue for 57 years of marriage.  After a few years living in Pottsville and Mahanoy City, Bernie and Mary Ellen built a home in Barnesville where they would raise their two children and enjoy numerous picnics, celebrations, and traditions with family and friends.

Bernie was blessed with close relatives and many friendships, a number of which began in grade school and continued throughout his lifetime.  Many of these friends met weekly at each other's homes, back yards, or local restaurants for food and refreshments.  They also traveled to destinations around the country and the world.  Bernie and Mary Ellen adventured to every continent including his favorite, Antarctica, and usually by cruise ship.  Family vacations to Beach Haven or Bethany Beach were a summer highlight.  Always the photojournalist, Bernie diligently captured images which he would regularly compile and narrate to document a trip, event, or occasion.  Many enjoyed his annual calendars, personalized for each recipient.

Bernie was preceded in death by his wife Mary Ellen and sister Florence.  He is survived by sisters, Catherine (Kitty) Davis, Lancaster, and Lucille Loder, Pittsford, NY; a son, Robert Marchalonis and wife Melissa, Lancaster, and daughter, Mary Catherine Seibert and husband James, Orwigsburg.  Bernie is also survived by grandchildren, Ryan Shakely and wife Jessica, Hummelstown, Janelle Meck and husband Ben, Phoenixville, Matthew Marchalonis and wife Leslie, Corpus Christi, TX, Michael Marchalonis and wife Madison, Rodgers, AR, Adam Seibert, Jacksonville, FL, James Seibert Jr., Raleigh, NC; great-grandchildren, Evelyn, Katherine, Sophia, Logan, and Abigail; and numerous nephews and nieces.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish Saturday May 22, at 10 am with Father Kevin Gallagher officiating.

Friends and Family may call from 9 am at the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Saint Teresa of Calcutta Church, 600 W. Mahanoy Street, Mahanoy City, PA 17948.