Obituaries

Bernard James “Bernie” Halstead Sr., 80, of Newport News, VA, passed away on February 4, 2025. He was born on August 7, 1944, in Norfolk, VA, to the late Hattie Price and Bernard James Halstead Sr., who tragically passed away during World War II when Bernie was just six months old. Bernie was raised by his mother and her second husband, Eugene Price Sr. He had been a resident of Newport News for most of his life and was known for his hardworking nature, generosity, and devotion to his family.

A skilled mechanic, engineer, and HVAC technician, Bernie had the ability to fix almost anything. He worked many years on tugboats at S.C. Loveland, Inc. and retired from Hoffman Industries Inc. Bernie was a loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who brought warmth and guidance to all who knew him.

He is survived by his brothers, Eugene Price and his wife, Judy, of Carrollton, VA, and Donald Price and his wife, Holly, of Sykesville, MD. Bernie was preceded in death by his first wife, Brenda Halstead; his second wife, Mary Jane Halstead; and his sisters, Diane Evans and Martha Ann Sorrells. In his later years, he was blessed with his girlfriend, Carol Watson, who kept him active and always on the move, traveling, dining out, and visiting with loved ones.

He is also survived by his son, Bernard James (BJ) Halstead Jr., and his fiancée Pamela of Newport News, VA; his daughter, Christine Marquard and her husband, Carl (Richie) Marquard, of York County, VA; and his stepson, Daryl Smith (Sarah) of Newport News, VA. Bernie was a proud grandfather to six grandchildren, Crystal Marquard, Vanessa Wong and her husband, Oscar Wong, Heather Smith, Cassie Stiltner and her husband, Hayden Stiltner, Shawn Smith, and Jase Smith. He was also a proud great-grandfather to eleven great-grandchildren, Haley Marquard, Trevor Hammero, Hayden Brant, Addison Brant, Makinley Brant, Mia Wong, Shawn Stiltner, Miles Wong, Shawn Smith Jr., Messiah Smith, and Nyla Smith.

Bernie is also survived by many cousins, nieces, and nephews, all of whom he was very fond of.

His family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to Dr. Enilari, his pulmonologist, for the exceptional and compassionate care she provided. Bernie was truly blessed to have such dedicated medical support.

Bernie’s memory will be forever treasured by his family and the many lives he touched. The family will receive friends on Saturday, February 8th from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The funeral service will begin at 12:00 p.m. Burial will follow in Peninsula Memorial Park.