Bernard Paul Kalish, Sr.

Bernard Paul Kalish, Sr., 68, entered eternal rest on Wednesday, November 17, 2021.  He is now in peace after a long illness.  He was born in Sumter, son of the late Elizabeth Justice Kalish-Housen and Joseph John Kalish, Sr.  Early on, he worked with Alfred Allsbrook at Sumter Electric & Allsbrook Electric.  He attended Arizona State University before returning to Sumter to work for Central Electric.  In the late 1970s, he started Kalish Electric Company along with his brother, Michael.  They specialized in Industrial Electrical Contracting and handled extremely large contracts with companies like Campbell Soup, Gold Kist, along with many others.  Bernard earned his Master Electrician’s license and further expanded the business.  In later years, he diversified into buying and selling used equipment, installing cameras, burglar, and fire alarm systems, along with becoming an expert witness.

Over many decades, Bernard volunteered his time and electrical services to many organizations such as Wilson Hall, various large and small companies, and the Masons.  Mr. Bernard Kalish Sr. was a member of Sumter Masonic Lodge No. 364 AFM, where he was Initiated, Passed and Raised to the sublime degree of master mason in 2001, served as worshipful master of Sumter Masonic Lodge #364, and was appointed district deputy of the 5th Grand York Rite District of South Carolina. He was a Past Right Eminent Commander of Palmetto #54.  Mr. Kalish Sr was a 32nd° Master of the Royal Secret, Mason Scottish Rite at the Valley of Columbia Scottish Rite. He was active in the Holy Royal Arch Chapter, Seymour Council, and The Sumter Commandery of Sumter, South Carolina.

Bernard loved the outdoors, especially being on the water.  He was an avid hunter & fisherman and loved to garden.  He spent many hours on the fresh water and swamps around SC and even more hours on his boat in the ocean.  He loved to take family, friends, and business associates to fish in the Gulf stream out of Murrells Inlet.  Bernard had a soft heart for all animals, especially abandoned ones.  He had many stray cats and dogs that shared his home over the decades, but two of his favorites were Scout and Bella.  In his final weeks, one of the last things he worried about was that his surviving dog, Bella, was being well taken care of. 

To say he was born into a large family would be a slight understatement as Bernard had eight siblings and over 50 nieces, nephews, great and great-great nieces, and nephews just on his side of the family.  More than being outdoors or with his many animals, Bernard loved his family the most.  Both ones that were related or ones that he thought of as family.  If a family member was in a bind and he had the wherewithal, he would immediately help. 

Survivors include two daughters: Alice Elizabeth Kalish (Mike Hanson), Los Angeles, CA and Lesley Kalish Gibson, Nashville, TN, and two sons: Bernard Paul Kalish, Jr, Los Angeles, CA and Patrick Joseph Kalish (Hannah) Charleston, SC, and five grandchildren: Madison Brienne Camp, Harper Louise Elizabeth Kalish, Matthew Lowder Kalish, Andrew Wright Gibson II, and Parker Chi Kalish, one brother: John Franklin Kalish Sr (Kris) Mocksville, NC, and two sisters: Elizabeth Anne Zuro (Owen) Tucson, AZ and Dolly Kalish Brown (Mike) Mount Pleasant, SC, and former wife, Janice McDaniel Kalish, Sumter, SC.

Bernard was preceded in death by four brothers: Joseph John Kalish, James Thomas Kalish, Michael Edward Kalish, Ralph Nicholas Kalish, and Stephen Richard Kalish.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, November 27, 2021, from 11 – 11:45 am at Bullock Funeral Home and a graveside service at noon at Sumter Cemetery.

You may go to www.bullockfuneralhome.com and sign the family’s guest book.

The family has chosen Bullock Funeral Home for the arrangements.

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