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Al Berardi Obituary
Al Berardi of Washingtonville New York passed away suddenly in his home on March 28, 2014. He was 67 years old. He was born in Brooklyn, New York to Alphonse and Gladys Berardi and had one sister Patricia Hans, all who have predeceased him.
Al is survived by his wife of 32 years Kathy Vislocky Berardi , son Alexander Berardi and his fiancé Jana Scelia, daughter Jennifer Berardi and her boyfriend Joseph Baxter, father-in-law Michael Vislocky, brother-in-law Thomas Vislocky, brother-in-law Michael J. Vislocky and sister-in-law Barbara Witt Vislocky and their family.
Al graduated from Fort Hamilton High School in Brooklyn, New York, Central Connecticut University (B.S.) and Central Michigan University (M.A.). He worked in sales in Manhattan for various companies including 3M, AT&T and Verizon until he decided to coach pole-vaulting full-time.
There is no doubt that coaching pole vaulting was Al’s calling in life. He started pole vaulting when he was 13 years old and wanted to pass his love for the sport on to others. He started coaching his good friend Jerry Cahill when he was a high school student in the 1970’s. Jerry suffers from cystic fibrosis and credits Al with him being alive today at 57 years old through exercise and sports. Al coached his son throughout his successful pole vaulting career as well as many of his friends including Rory Quiller, NCAA Division I champion, which ultimately led him to start the Heights Unlimited Vault Club (HUVC) with his partner Victor Zummo. Al’s son also coached at his father’s side for a number of years. HUVC has had over 200 members over the past 10 years and boasts New Jersey State Champions, New York State Champions, High School National Qualifiers and has helped numerous athletes obtain college educations through achieving scholarships. HUVC also won the USATF National Men’s Team Pole Vault Title. Al will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and student athletes.
Visitation will be at Wyman-Fisher Funeral Home, 100 Franklin Avenue, Pearl River, NY 10965, on Monday, March 31 from 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Service will be Monday evening at 7:30 p.m. at Wyman-Fisher. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Boomer Esiason Foundation which supports cystic fibrosis research, education, scholarships and transplant grants at https://esiason.org/epay/donate-now.php
Memories and Condolences
for Al Berardi
July 9, 2014
AL was a teammate of mine at CCSU I always enjoyed watching him vault.His exuberance and love of the sport was so obvious. I am glad that he continued coaching and it is clear that he passed on his enthusiasm to other athletes. It is a great gift that he bestowed to other athletes.
Larry "Stubby" Stub
July 9, 2014
I coached track at CCSU after Al graduated and only met him once. He was a loyal CCSU ALUM. Holds one of the few records still remaining from the coach Owen days. Dean Owen said Al Beradi could clear 14 feet using a telephone pole if that was all that was available. The CCSU track family has lost a legend.
My deepest sympathy to the entire family .
John Keleher
Craig Branch
March 31, 2014
Al was much more than a coach. He was a gentleman, caring all around kind-hearted guy. His gruff nature belied a deep compassion for the love of his sport and the kids he mentored. He was an inspiration to those he coached, and those of us who watched him do it. He was truly a blessing to my daughter, and both she and I will truly miss him. I have though of him frequently, and will continue to do so. Our deepest condolences to his family, and the students who will not experience his gift.
Jim Glover
March 31, 2014
Al was always willing to help any vaulter who needed it. He was a passionate advocate for the sport and his athletes. He will be missed.
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Bob Baker
March 31, 2014
Kathy, Deepest sympathies for your loss.
Tim St.Lawrence
March 31, 2014
Coach Al Berardi was an inspiration to all of us in the teaching profession. His passion for excellence…both on and off the athletic fields changed many young lives. His devotion as a father and husband is his legacy. His spirit lives in all of us. Thank you Coach Berardi.
March 31, 2014
Al was a great supporter of many talented athletes in the Pole Vault community. His passion to help as many athletes excell at our sport will be missed by us all. Condolences to his loving family.
Mike & Robin White
March 30, 2014
We will always be grateful for Coach Al's expertise, generosity, and willingness to pass on his knowledge to the next generation. He leaves a proud legacy in the track & field world, in the Wizard community, and in our family.
Rory Quiller
March 29, 2014
Coach challenged his athletes to reach their limits. He settled for nothing less.
His passion for the sport was second only to his passion for his family.
I miss you Coach Berardi.
Coach Berardi with his son Al coaching me at the Millrose Games in Madison Square Garden
Rory Quiller
March 29, 2014
Charles Delmonico
March 29, 2014
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Coach Al as he was a great father and teacher of men and women. We will keep the Berardi family in our thoughts and prayers.
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