Ted David Bernhardt, age 65, born in Lafayette, Indiana, formerly of Newburgh, IN, passed away on Sunday, May 21, 2023, in Isabela, Puerto Rico, where he lived.
Ted was passionate about basketball and refereeing. He worked as an NBA official for 17 seasons from 1988-2006. He officiated in the NBA Finals between the Los Angeles Lakers and the New Jersey Nets in 2002. He was inducted into the Indiana Hall of Fame for basketball in 2022.
Ted also previously taught 6th grade and coached basketball at Newburgh Elementary School. Ted had a love for all things music, his friends, and most importantly, his family. He made his home in Isabela, Puerto Rico, where he loved to fill his time with swimming, watching live music, and showing his friends and family around the beautiful island.
He also coached kids basketball there and was so passionate about helping those kids learn and grow within the sport he loved so dearly. Ted will be remembered by those who love him for his energetic spirit, his outgoing personality, his wild sense of humor, and his heart full of love. He will be greatly missed.
Ted is survived by his children, Brooke (Zach) Bernhardt, Paige (Craig) Austin, and Ty (Emily) Bernhardt; his sisters, Suzie (Kim) Mitchell, Sally Ross, Julie (Brian) Duelm, and Jill (Greg) Dehnke; his granddaughters, Emory and Stella Austin, and Myles Bernhardt; his nieces and nephews; and his former wife, Sherry Wright.
Ted was preceded in death by his mother, Lois Spradley and father, David Bernhardt.
A Celebration of Life will be held in Ted’s honor from 3-7 p.m., Sunday, May 28, 2023, at Funeraria San Antonio, 7347 Ave Agustin Calero, Isabela, PR 00662.
There will also be a Celebration of Life held from 2-6 p.m., Friday, June 2, 2023, at City Church, 314 Market St., Evansville, IN, 47708.
Memorial contributions may be made to Young Life Puerto Rico, PO Box 5184, Harlan, IA 51593-0684. Note: Account #X3138.
Boone Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Ted David Bernhardt. Condolences may be made to the family online at boonefuneralhome.net