Bernard Zegarowski

Bernard A. Zegarowski, 95, of Old Bridge, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 15, 2026, at his home in Old Bridge. Known as “Bennie” or “Bernie” to friends and colleagues, Bernard lived in his native South Amboy for most of his life, except for 9 childhood years spent in Poland with his family. Bernard was predeceased by his parents, Antoni and Anna (Jankowska) Zegarowski, a sister, Mary Adele, and two brothers, Anthony Jr. and Edward.

Bernard attended Sacred Heart School in South Amboy until 8th grade, and completed high school at Orchard Lake School in Michigan. He served in the Army Corps of Engineers during the Korean War in Berlin, Germany, and then graduated from Indiana College of Engineering in 1956, earning Bachelor of Science degrees in Aeronautical and Mechanical Engineering.

For the next 20 years, Bernard worked as a contractor and consultant for some of the most well-known aviation and aerospace companies in the country, including the Glenn L. Martin Co., Bell Aerosystems, and Grumman Aircraft Corporation- he was an actual rocket scientist. His work for them included research on de-icing methods for aircraft at the frigid summit of Mt. Washington, rocket engine qualification test programs and engine redesign, all aspects of internal and external aerodynamics of rocket propulsion, and (as Senior Mechanical Engineer under contract to Grumman) he worked alongside NASA on the design, construction, installation, instrumentation, and quality control of the fuel tank for the LEM (Lunar Excursion Module). Bernard then spent 20 years as a senior component and instrumentation engineer for various tech, radar, and early computer companies, analyzing and supervising chemical, petrochemical, and nuclear systems.

After retiring, Bernard enjoyed reading, gardening, trips to Atlantic City, and spending time with his beloved Rose Michaels. He also enjoyed time with his dear friends, Jim and Peggy Kerr, and their extended family, and enjoyed talking about stocks with his close friend James O’Shea. He is survived by stepdaughters Diane (and Diedrick) Dahl, Catherine (and Matthew) Kear, and Barbara Michaels and their families, godson Jack and Liz Kerr and their family, and friends James and Beverly O’Shea and their family. Bernard’s intelligence, wit, and amazing life stories will be missed by all.

A 10am Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Monday, February 23, 2026, at Sacred Heart Church in South Amboy, NJ. Internment will follow at 12:30 PM at Our Lady of Czestochowa National Shrine in Doylestown, Pa.