Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory

St. John Neumann Catholic Church

Bernard H. Thuman Jr., 85, of Edgewater, Maryland passed away on February 6, 2023. Born on October 27, 1937 in Baltimore, to loving parents Bernard Sr. and Helena Thuman.

Bernard attended Holy Cross Elementary and graduated from Calvert Hall High School in Baltimore, going on to attend night school to earn an Associate’s Degree in Electrical Technology from Anne Arundel Community College. He also studied at Loyola University and Johns Hopkins University. After high school, he served in the U.S. Army Reserves. Bernard began developing his career skills long before college, entering the workforce at the age of 10. After serving in the Army Reserves, he began working for the Baltimore Gas and Electric Co. in Baltimore City as a draftsman in 1956, working his way up to several management positions in the Electrical Engineering Department, such as Public Works Coordinator and Supervisor of New Business Design to name a few. After retiring, he continued to work for BGE, which became Constellation Energy, until December of 2003, resulting in a 47-year career with the company.

Bernie was very active in the community. He was one of the founders of the Peninsula Athletic League (PAL), where he served as an Officer and was its first Commissioner of Baseball. His team went on to win the Annapolis City Championship. He also assisted with PAL youth football. He coached youth basketball at St. Mary’s and the Annapolis Recreation Center for many years. He was also a member of the Touchdown Club. He was active in fundraising for St. Mary’s parish and sports teams, and the construction of St. John Neumann Church. He was a member of the Annapolis Lions Club, and served as President, as well as holding numerous other board positions including Vice President.
 
Bernie’s work in the community did not go unnoticed. He was the recipient of many community awards and accolades. Under the governorship of Martin O’Malley, he was presented with a “Governor’s Volunteer Services Certificate”. He was also presented with an “Anne Arundel County Executives Citation of Appreciation” from county executive John Leopold. Bernie was recognized for his leadership and dedication multiple times by the Lions Club, receiving the “Lions Club Certificate of Appreciation” for invaluable services and cooperation, the “Certificate of Appreciation for Exceptional Leadership” as the first Vice President, “Lion of the Year” for outstanding service, loyalty, and devotion to Lionism, and a “Testimonial of Services Appreciation” as President of the Annapolis Lions Club.
 
He was also named “Volunteer of the Year” by the South County Senior Center. During his career with BGE, he was commended for outstanding workmanship by the company, including recognition of outstanding leadership as Chairman of the “Miss Utility Protection Committee”, and was presented with the “Gift of Life Blood Donor Award” in partnership with the Central Maryland Chapter of the Red Cross for donating 3 gallons of blood during his employment.

After hearing a woman shouting “Help me! Get my babies!”, he came upon a burning building. He entered without considering personal risk, and brought 3 children out as it was collapsing upon them. He re-entered upon her request to save another child, who unbeknownst to her had already been saved. The second floor started to collapse on top of him, but he escaped. He successfully returned the children safely to their mother. He never received any formal recognition for it, but was recognized for his efforts in a letter sent by the nuns that witnessed the event.
 
When he wasn’t volunteering, working, and contributing to the community, Bernie found enjoyment in golfing, softball, and basketball. He was a member of the Yankee Rebels Drum and Bugle Corps. and loved the music of Frank Sinatra.

In addition to his parents, Bernard is preceded in death by his sisters, Helen, Mary, Catherine, Esther, and Frances, and brother, Rev. Joseph Thuman, SJ. He is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Christine; devoted children, Tricia (Doug) Borrebach of Annapolis, Bernie (Genny) Thuman III of Annapolis, and Greg (Houfei Yang) of Texas; grandchildren, Drew (Becky), Jordan, Liz, and Katie, and great-grandson, Nathaniel, son of Drew and Becky. He was known as “Uncle Bernie” to countless nieces and nephews, and brother-in-law to Charlie, Tom, and Del.

Friends and family are invited to celebrate Bernie’s life on Thursday, February 16, 2023 at 10:30 am at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 620 Bestgate Road, Annapolis, MD 21401.

Online condolences may be made by using the Memories tab on this page.

Bernard H. Thuman, Jr.

Bernard H. Thuman, Jr.

Bernard Thuman, Jr. Services

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