Obituary of Bernard B. Kerik

Kerik, Bernard B. "Bernie" age 69 of Franklin Lakes at rest in Manhattan on May 29, 2025. Beloved husband of 27 years of Hala (nee Matli) Kerik of Franklin Lakes. Loving father of Lisa Jordan and her husband Joshua of GA, Joseph Kerik and his wife Jacqui of Lincoln Park, Celine Kerik of Franklin Lakes, and Angelina Kerik of Franklin Lakes. Dear son of the late Donald Raymond Kerik Sr. and the late Clara (nee Dent) Kerik. Brother of Donald Kerik Jr. & his fiancee Norma Lis Calderon of Sparta, Vickie Lynn Manna of Morris Plains, and Terry Ann Wehrle and her husband Bobby of East Windsor. Bernie is survived by 5 grandchildren and 1 great granddaughter. Born in Newark, he was raised in Paterson and lived in New Jersey and New York for most of his life before moving back to Franklin Lakes in 2004. Early in his career Bernie served in the United States Army, at Fort Bragg. After that he got his start in law enforcement with the Passaic County Sheriff's Department, working there from 1981 to 1986 where he eventually earned the rank of Undersheriff. He then became a member of the New York City Police Department in 1986, and became the Commissioner of the Department of Corrections in 1998. Two years later, he was appointed as the 40th New York City Police Commissioner where he oversaw the response, rescue, and recovery during the September 11th attacks. While in the New York City Police Department, Bernie earned 30 New York Police Department medals for excellent, meritorious, and heroic service, including the Medal of Valor. After serving in the New York City Police Department, Bernie completed his Bachelor of Science degree in social theory, social structure and change from the Empire State College to the State University of New York in 2002. In addition, Bernard received many honorary doctorates from several universities, including Michigan State University and New York Institute of Technology. He also received the President's Medal from Hunter College. He was also honored by Queen Elizabeth II with an honorary appointment as Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE) for his work during and after the September 11th attacks. Following the events of September 11th, Bernard was involved in rebuilding Iraq's security apparatus and was nominated for Secretary of Homeland Security. He was also appointed the Interim Minister of Interior of Iraq. Relatives and friends may visit Thursday June 5th from 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, 381 Grand St., Paterson, NJ. There will be a funeral mass at St. Patrick's Cathedral, 5th Ave between 50th/51st Streets, New York City, on Friday June 6th at 10:00 AM. For those wishing to attend the funeral mass please meet at St. Patrick's Cathedral. Festa Memorial Funeral Home, 111 Union Blvd, Totowa, is in charge of the arrangements.