Ricky Albert Berndt, 57, of Smithmill died Monday in Ginter. Born Aug. 31, 1954 in Philipsburg, he was the son of the late Albert F. and Agnes (Leair) Berndt.
He graduated from the Moshannon Valley Junior-Senior High School in 1973. He served in the Army Reserves. Mr. Berndt was a self-employed contractor for 30 years and owned R&B Contracting. He was Baptist Lutheran by faith.
On July 24, 2004, in Altoona, he wed the former Elizabeth L. Portser, who survives of Smithmill.
He is survived by four children and two step-children, Julia A. Berndt of Columbia, MD; Tabitha R. Shimer and her husband, Samuel of Hollidaysburg; Rebekah T. Holenchik and her husband, J.R. of Madera; Joshua J. Berndt and his wife, Carmella of Houtzdale; a step-son, Ryan M. Savino, serving in the U.S. Marine Corp. and stationed in Arizona; and step-daughter, Chelsey E. Savino of Altoona.
Also surviving are 13 grandchildren, Kristen, Nathaniel, Olivia, Zackary, Margaret, Katerina, Nicholas, Joseph, Abigail, Chloe, Isaac, Madix and Audrey; two sisters, Lois Grannis and her husband, Edwin “Brush” of Ramey and Marsha Yarger and her husband, Dick of Osceola Mills; and a number of nieces and nephews.
Mr. Berndt is preceded in death by his parents. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and brother.
Friends will be received from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. and from 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. Friday and from 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. Saturday at the Kruise Funeral Homes Inc., Ramey.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Kruise Funeral Home Inc., Ramey. Interment will follow in Beulah Cemetery, Ramey.
Condolences may be sent to: condolences@kruisefuneralhome.com. Memorial donations may be made to the Blair County Autism, 708 North Second St. Altoona, PA 16601.
