Obituary of Charles Antes Bardo

Charles Antes Bardo September 18, 1917 - February 01, 2009 Charles Antes Bardo, 91, died Sunday, February 1st in his home at the Village at Brookfield Commons. Charlie was born September 18, 1917 in Jersey Shore, PA. Mr. Bardo was a revered pillar of the Danbury community since moving from Jersey Shore, PA. in 1938. In 1940, he married Lillian Ruopp. They had 8 children who were the focus of the couple's life. Charlie started in the retail business with J. C. Penney in 1934. He worked on the NYNH&H Railroad throughout WWII while also establishing Enterprise Farm on Federal Road with his father-in-law & brother-in-law. This was the location of their active family life for many years. In 1945 he returned to Main Street in Danbury working as a salesman at Frohman's Clothing Store. In 1956, he founded Bardo-Platt Men's clothing store which he operated until his first retirement in 1982. During these years he was also engaged in Federal Welding, TEC Realty, and varied redevelopment projects on Main Street in Danbury. As a merchant he was an active and influential member of the Chamber of Commerce, Danbury's first planning & zoning commission, and the Lion's Club. His subsequent careers included director of the Red Cross, realtor with the Pandolfi agency, and developer and first director of the Danbury Parking Authority. He remained strongly committed to the growth and redevelopment of Danbury's Main Street. In 2007 the Charles A. Bardo Parking Garage on Library Place was dedicated in his honor. He was a member and long term president of the congregation at Immanuel Lutheran Church and fundamental in the rebuilding of their elementary school. He later became an active member of Christ the King Lutheran Church in Newtown. Serving as a founder of the YMCA and Hospice programs in Danbury were two of his proudest accomplishments amongst many significant contributions to the community. He remained committed to these for the remainder of his life. He enjoyed traveling with his wife to visit their children throughout the world. Gardening, painting, and writing the story of his life were enjoyable pursuits after he finally retired in 1992 at the age of 75. He considered his family to be the greatest achievement, success, and joy in his life. His wife Lillian passed away in 2003 and he always said, "She was the greatest partner in life and business that any person could dream of." He is survived by his two daughters and six sons: Karen Hyde (Tom), Albuquerque, NM.; Dick, Columbia Falls, MT.; Ted (Phyllis), Houston, TX.; Alan (Norma), Madison, ME., Brian (Nora), Danbury; Mark (Betsy), Concord, NH.; Bruce, Missoula, MT. and Elaine Zislin (Arne), Leawood, KS.; 17 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. He will also be missed by many other relatives, friends, and the many people who have valued him as a mentor, model, and inspiration in their lives. Funeral Information Calling hours will be Thursday, February 5th from 5 to 8 PM at Cornell Memorial Home, 247 White St., Danbury, CT. 06810. Funeral service will be Friday, February 6th, 11 AM at Christ the King Lutheran Church, 85 Mt. Pleasant Road, Newtown, CT. A luncheon reception will follow in the parish hall to which all are invited. Donations Information Charlie's request is that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to: Regional Hospice of Western Connecticut, 405 Main St. Danbury, CT. 06810; Regional YMCA of Western CT., 2 Huckleberry Hill Road, Brookfield, CT. 06804 or Christ the King Lutheran Church Bardo Memorial Garden Fund., 85 Mt. Pleasant Road, Newtown, CT.06470.