LA HABRA, Calif. — Bernard (Bernie) Repasky, 56, of La Habra, Calif., died unexpectedly on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2009.

Born April 26, 1953, in Meadville, he was the fourth son of the late Anthony and Clara Kraus Repasky of Cambridge Springs.

Bernie was a loving husband, father, brother and son. He was married Aug. 9, 1975, to the former Linda Heald. He is survived by his wife, Linda, of 34 years, as well as their two sons, Drew, 29, of Anaheim, Calif, and Daniel, 26, of Irvine, Calif. Both have graduated college and work in southern California.

Bernie attended Cambridge Springs High School and graduated from Gannon University with a bachelor’s degree, and for Case Western Reserve University with a master’s degree in electrical engineering. He moved to California in June 1976 to take a job at Hughes Aircraft Co. (now part of Raytheon Corp.), where he worked with distinction for 33 years, before retiring in 2009 at age 56. Bernie was awarded a patent for the invention of a “linear array lateral motion compensation method.” His work was dedicated to the defense of our nation.

An avid private pilot, Bernie flew regularly out of Fullerton and Chino airports for more than 30 years. He and Linda (also a pilot) kept their own plane in a hangar at Chino, Calif. Bernie enjoyed scuba diving, hiking and camping — often in remote locations. He also enjoyed motorcycle riding.

Additionally, Bernie is survived by his five brothers, Albert Repasky and his wife, Pat, of Gibsonia, Robert Repasky of Lorain, Ohio, Harold Repasky and his wife, Marnie, of Zelienople, Kenneth Repasky and his wife, Cheryl, of Pine, Colo., and William Repasky and his wife, Susan, of Fort Collins, Colo.; as well as many adoring nieces and nephews.

The memorial service will be at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Cambridge Springs on Saturday at 10 a.m., with Monsignor Lawrence Speice, pastor of the church, officiating.

Anyone is invited to leave comments for the family at Bernie’s online memorial Web site at legacy.com. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to the National Park Service or (in Bernie’s name) to a charity of one’s choice.

Van Matre Family Funeral Home, 335 Venango Ave., Cambridge Springs, is handling arrangements.