We are sad to announce the passing of Dr. David L. Berndt, on October 14, 2022, in Plantation, Florida. Dr. Berndt – “Doc” as he was affectionately known – was beloved and respected by his colleagues, friends, and patients. He was born in Toledo, Ohio, where he attended Libby High School and excelled in academics, track, high jump, and football. He went on to play college football at Ohio State and later graduated from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1972.
Dr. Berndt’s dedication and commitment was apparent through his accomplishments in the medical field, including being board certified at the American Academy of Anti-Aging. After four decades as a Family Practice Physician in Davie, Florida, he retired in October 2019.
He will not only be remembered for his dedication but also, for his compassion and thoughtfulness. No matter what, he never turned away a patient in need. Dr. Berndt’s talent went beyond his career as a medical professional, expanding to athletics and fitness. He was a competitive golfer who wholeheartedly loved the sport and competed in many tournaments, where he made a hole-in-one, and even won a car. He never missed a gym day, serving as a prime example to his patients as to why it is important to live a healthy lifestyle. He was known for practicing what he preached.
Dr. Berndt was predeceased by his mother Betty Wells and father Howard Berndt. His surviving family members are his wife Maria Berndt, his children Amy Berndt, Lori Berndt, and Jennifer Moberg, and his grandchildren Hunter, Brandon, Jackson, David, John, Julia, and Lanford.
Service will be held at:
New Horizon United Methodist Church
On Sunday, October 30th, 2022, at 2:00pm
5741 South Flamingo Road, Southwest Ranches FL 33330
The service can also be viewed at www.newhorizonumc.com
In Lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to ASPCA, an organization Dr. Berndt felt strongly about.
Arrangements entrusted to: Boyd-Panciera Family Funeral Care, 1600 N. University Drive, Pembroke Pines, Florida.
Estella Martinez
October 26, 2022, 5:14 pm
There will be an empty place in the hearts of many whose lives were touched by Dr. Berndt. May our Lord give you and your family His Blessings, strength and peace during this time of sorrow. With our deepest condolences.
Estella & Cindy Martinez
Jim Brewer
October 27, 2022, 10:44 pm
I don’t know how many dr’s I have had in my life but dr.berndt was my favorite. He treated me like a family member.
Jim brewer
Ronnie Fiadini
October 29, 2022, 4:51 am
Ronald Fiadini
Our “Friend” and caregiver has passed and will be surly missed by so many family and friends. Morn if you must then celebrate the fact that he is now with his Lord and Savior.
Of course we will miss him and will always have fond memories to look back upon, and yes we all wish he was still with us. But he was called home. Our Lord has prepared a celebration in his honor and all that separates us from him is a flash of time that we have on this earth. So just keep all those great memories stored and know that we will be together with our father in Heaven and our “Friend”
Dr. BERNDT AS WELL.
My sincerest condolences to his family and May the good Lord give you all the strength to get through these times.
anonymous
October 30, 2022, 7:46 pm
The world is a far better place for having had Dr. Berndt in it, and will be a much colder and sadder place without him…
The many patients who he served tirelessly for over 4 decades are a testament to that …. and would all agree.
Unfortunately, his type was and is few and far between, and are rapidly becoming fewer and fewer as his generation dwindles. Not to be overly dramatic, but it is truly the end of an era.
Total dedication to the profession of healing … and total devotion to the betterment of those around him and to humankind as a whole, and to all those whose lives he touched.
And this holds just as true throughout all aspects of his life, and all relationships, personal, family, employees, colleagues and friends …. both human and animal.
A love of all animals, including all the ones that were his and became his through adoption … all the dozens of cats that he and Maria fed and took care of at the office, twice a day, even on the weekends, and even since retirement, Maria driving him back to the office daily these past years … including the few he brought home upon retiring that remain there to this day …
Even with his passing, the family requesting donations to the ASPCA in lieu of flowers, as Dave surely would have wanted.
I could go on for hours, or days, but I see I have already gone very long …
I will close by mentioning the wonderful life he and Maria had, and how neither would change any of it for anything. As was mentioned in the service, Dave often said that “if I died today I could not have asked for a better life”. What could be better than to go with that as your motto.
To Maria, and all his family and friends, may you take comfort in that knowledge, and the knowledge that the Lord has taken Dave up into his arms, and that both are watching over you daily.
Sincerest condolences to all who were lucky enough to know him.
He leaves behind a world far, far better than the one he came into … the greatest measure of any man.
dennis cravero
December 22, 2022, 7:02 am
He was my doctor from the early 1980s until 2015. RIP Dr. Berndt. I remember his daughter Amy went to Western High when I was there. He always was a class act,
Susan Johnson
April 24, 2023, 11:00 pm
I thought of Dr Berndt today so I looked him up and was very sad to just now hear of his passing. He was my dr for many years when I lived in Davie FL for 29 years. I moved away to Ocala Fl 16 years ago. So sorry for this loss to his fa.mily and his patients. I miss him dearly. He wad a wonderful dr. RIP
Mi
Bryan Cook
July 2, 2023, 3:09 pm
I was just reading the newspaper this morning and an article made me think of Doc. I googled his name and unfortunately saw he passed away last year. As a teacher I am not on social media and sometimes miss when someone passes. When I became a teacher 28 years ago and met with benefits the first thing I did was look for Dr. Berndt’s name in the insurance book. I went to high school with all three of his daughters and my best friend lived in their neighborhood. My friend’s family all went to him and it was a no brainer when I had to choose a doctor. It was a top 10 decision in my life. I went to his office up until his last day and attended the going away party on that last Saturday. I am glad I went that day to thank him for all he did for me for the 24+ years I went to his office. I am sorry I missed the service it would of been nice to see his daughters and pay my respects. I will remember him and his demeanor for the rest of my life.
Chris Kent
May 18, 2024, 1:37 pm
I’m just now seeing this as i looked to see if i could find him. I found Dr Berndt in 1995 when I was entering the fire academy. The day class started, I was told I needed a physical exam or I couldn’t start. An administrator at the school didn’t know him, but recommended I go to his office as he was close by. There were a few people in his waiting room, but after explaining to the receptionist my dilemma, he quickly got me back. He gave me a thorough exam and filled out my necessary paperwork, then, knowing I was enrolled in classes, asked if I had insurance. When I told him I did not, he told me not to worry about payment, wished me good luck, and sent me on my way. He was my primary until he retired. He was always a pleasure to talk to for way to long at appointments, knowing there were others waiting, but he was a friend as well as my doctor. I’m sure others have had a similar experience as mine. He should be regarded as a role model for medical professionals…. for his family and loved ones, you are blessed to have been a part of his life.