Jairo Orlando Bernal

Wharton:

Jairo Orlando Bernal, 67, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones after a courageous three-year battle with Neuroendocrine Cancer. He was born on October 30, 1958, in Bogotá, Colombia, and carried his roots and values with him throughout his life.

Jairo migrated to the United States in April of 1986, first residing in Dover before making his home in Wharton in 2005. A skilled mechanical technician by trade, his true passion was music. He was the proud owner and director of Tropyband Orquesta, where he brought joy to countless people through his music. Jairo was also a phenomenal timbal player, captivating audiences with his rhythm, energy, and love for music.

He was the fifth of eight siblings, born to Alberto Bernal Franco and Olga Bernal Barrios, whom he now joins in heaven. Growing up in a large family helped shape the loving and generous man he became.

Jairo is survived by his beloved wife, Janneth Bernal; his daughter, Carol Lorena Bernal; his son, John Jairo Bernal; his cherished grandchildren; his large extended family and many dear friends who will forever hold him in their hearts; and the musicians of Tropyband Orquesta, who were more than members of his band—they were his family, united by the joy, passion, and love for music that he shared so freely.

He was a man of noble heart, kindness, and generosity. Jairo lived to make others happy. Whether you knew him for many years or had just met him, he had a special way of making you feel welcomed, valued, and cared for. His passion for music came from his love for people—he found his greatest joy in seeing others smile, dance, and come together.

His presence, his laughter, and his spirit will be deeply missed, but the love he shared will live on forever.

In his honor, we kindly ask that you consider donating blood, as he received several transfusions during his journey.

We find peace in knowing that he is now in the presence of the Lord, free from pain, and embraced in eternal love. His life was a blessing, his memory a treasure, and his legacy will live on forever in us.

In celebration of his life, Tropyband Orquesta will continue to play in his honor and remembrance, sharing the music that was his true passion and the happiness he brought to so many.

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life." — John 3:16

Visitation will be held 4:00pm to 7:00 pm on Monday, April 6, 2026 at the Bermingham Funeral Home, 216 S. Main St., Wharton.

A funeral mass will be held 12:30pm on Tuesday, April 7th, 2026 at St. Clement Pope & Martyr Roman Catholic Church, 154 Mt Pleasant Ave, Dover, NJ 07801 followed by the interment of his remains at St. Mary's Cemetery, Hurd Street, Mine Hill, NJ 07803.

SPANISH

Jairo Orlando Bernal, de 67 años, falleció en paz rodeado de sus seres queridos después de una valiente batalla de tres años contra el Cáncer Neuroendocrino. Nació el 30 de octubre de 1958 en Bogotá, Colombia, y llevó sus raíces y valores consigo a lo largo de toda su vida.

Jairo emigró a los Estados Unidos en abril de 1986, residiendo primero en Dover y luego estableciéndose en Wharton en el año 2005. Fue técnico mecánico de profesión, pero su verdadera pasión fue la música. Fue el orgulloso dueño y director de Tropyband Orquesta, donde llevó alegría a muchas personas a través de su música. Jairo también fue un fenomenal timbalero, cautivando al público con su ritmo, energía y amor por la música.

Fue el quinto de ocho hermanos, hijo de Alberto Bernal Franco y Olga Bernal Barrios, con quienes ahora se reúne en el cielo. Crecer en una familia grande y unida ayudó a formar el hombre amoroso y generoso que llegó a ser.

Le sobreviven su amada esposa, Janneth Bernal; su hija, Carol Lorena Bernal; su hijo, John Jairo Bernal; sus queridos nietos; su gran familia extendida y muchos amigos que siempre lo llevarán en sus corazones; y los músicos de Tropyband Orquesta, quienes fueron más que miembros de su orquesta—eran su familia, unidos por la alegría, la pasión y el amor por la música que él compartía tan libremente.

Fue un hombre de noble corazón, bondad y generosidad. Jairo vivió para hacer felices a los demás. Ya fuera que lo conocieras por muchos años o apenas lo hubieras conocido, tenía una forma especial de hacerte sentir bienvenido, valorado y querido. Su pasión por la música nacía de su amor por las personas—su mayor alegría era ver a otros sonreír, bailar y compartir juntos.

Su presencia, su alegría y su espíritu serán profundamente extrañados, pero el amor que brindó vivirá para siempre.

En su honor, pedimos que consideren donar sangre, ya que recibió varias transfusiones durante su proceso.

Encontramos consuelo al saber que ahora está en la presencia del Señor, libre de dolor y rodeado de amor eterno. Su vida fue una bendición, su recuerdo un tesoro, y su legado vivirá para siempre en nosotros.

En celebración de su vida, Tropyband Orquesta continuará tocando en su honor y recuerdo, compartiendo la música que fue su verdadera pasión y la felicidad que brindó a tantos.

"Porque tanto amó Dios al mundo que dio a su Hijo único, para que todo el que cree en él no se pierda, sino que tenga vida eterna."  — Juan 3:16

Visitation will be held 4:00pm to 7:00 pm on Monday, April 6, 2026 at the Bermingham Funeral Home, 216 S. Main St., Wharton.

A funeral mass will be held 12:30pm on Tuesday, April 7th, 2026 at St. Clement Pope & Martyr Roman Catholic Church, 154 Mt Pleasant Ave, Dover, NJ 07801 followed by the interment of his remains at St. Mary's Cemetery, Hurd Street, Mine Hill, NJ 07803.

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