Bernard "Bernie" R. Nirode, age 82, of Wellington, passed away on Wednesday, July 24, 2024 at University Hospitals of Elyria, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on October 19, 1941, in Wooster to the late Del and Laura (Weaver) Nirode. After graduating from Shreve High School, he would go on to earn his bachelor's and master's degrees in education from The Ohio State University. He quickly advanced into various administrative roles in education, first serving as the principal of Lorain County Vocational School, and later with Wayne County Career Center, and Ashland/West Holmes Vocational School.  He retired from working in education after 30 years.  However, Bernie would never truly "retire." Always one to stay occupied, he held a variety of jobs in the time after he ended his career in education administration.

Bernie was committed to contributing to his community even beyond his professional duties.  He would officiate high school football games for 40 years, and track and field for over 50 years. He was a previous member of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce, Wellington School Board, Wellington Library Board, and Southern Satellite Office of the Lorain County Office of Aging.  Further, in many organizations he served leadership roles including Wellington Township Clerk (fiscal officer) and secretary of the Lorain County Fair Board.  Recently, he served on the Lorain County Planning Commission and Rural Lorain County Water Authority Board of Trustees (RLCWA).

While Bernie was dedicated to all that he did, and some would joke that his favorite hobby was attending meetings, he was happiest when he was with his beloved wife, Marion, and their family. He and Marion owned and operated the Dairi Barn ice cream stand in Wellington from 1977-1984 and The Other Place Restaurant from 1984-1991. Working alongside his wife and serving the community simultaneously meant the world to Bernie. He also loved spending time with his children and grandchildren, sharing his love for gardening, and The Ohio State University football team.

Left to cherish Bernie's memory are his loving wife of 56 years, Marion A. (Debelak), children; Adam (Annette) Nirode of Strongsville, OH, Vanessa Nirode of New York, NY, Will (Melissa) Nirode of Woodbury, NY, and Wayne Nirode of Troy, OH; three grandchildren; and a brother, Del Nirode of Oak Creek, WI.

Family and friends are invited to visitation at Norton-Eastman Funeral Home, 370 S. Main St., Wellington, OH 44090 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 31, 2024. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, August 1, 2024 beginning at 10:30 a.m. at Wellington First United Methodist Church, 127 Park Place, Wellington, OH 44090. Burial will follow funeral services at Greenwood Cemetery in Wellington.

Memorial donations may be made to Wellington Schools Endowment Fund, 305 Union Street, Wellington, OH 44090.