Bernie Dant

George Bernard "Bernie" Dant of Goodyear, Arizona, passed peacefully on August 16, 2024, in Summerville, South Carolina. Bernie was the youngest son of Mary Magdalene Daily and Joseph Roy Dant. He was born April 23, 1933, at home in Montgomery, Indiana. Bernie attended Montgomery schools before moving to Washington, Indiana. After graduation from Washington Catholic High School, Bernie attended Vincennes University and graduated from Indiana State University with a BA in Mathematics. He received his Master's degree in Applied Mathematics from Indiana University where he met his future wife, Ann Marie Goysich. Ann Marie and Bernie were married in Hammond, Indiana, on August 26, 1961

Bernie began his career teaching math at Vincennes University but soon moved to California to start work as a computer programmer for the emerging U.S. satellite program in the 1960's. In this role, he traveled extensively throughout the United States and around the world. During Bernie's career, the family was fortunate to live in California, Colorado, Northern Virginia, and Bremen, Germany. Bernie and Ann Marie retired and spent the last thirty years in Arizona, first in Fountain Hills, and then in Goodyear. He returned to teaching in his retirement and enjoyed a second career as a math instructor for Rio Salado Community College where he taught for nearly twenty years. 

Ann Marie and Bernie loved to travel and achieved their “Bucket List” goal of visiting all fifty states. When home in Arizona, they participated actively in church and community life. Bernie served as a lector and Lay Minister at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, volunteered with St. Vincent de Paul, and was a long-time member of the Knights of Columbus. He sang tenor with the Scottsdale Symphony Chorus, the Fountain Hills Chorus and later with the Pebble Creek Singers. He also joined Pebble Creek Community Theater productions. He volunteered with Ann Marie as an usher at the Herberger Theater in downtown Phoenix, and he also enjoyed volunteering at the Goodyear Baseball Park. 

Bernie was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings: Robert Murphy, Betty, Joseph Benedict (Jean), and James Dant, as well as Ann Marie’s parents, Joseph and Frances Goysich, and many much-loved in-laws. 

Bernie is survived by his loving wife, Ann Marie. They had planned to celebrate 63 years together on August 26. His children are Marifrances Dant Bolger (David) of John's Island, South Carolina, and Robert Joseph Dant (Kelly) of Hickory, North Carolina. His grandchildren are Lauren Bolger of New York, New York, Michael Bolger of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Ross and Ryan Dant, both of Raleigh, North Carolina. His sister-in-law, D. Joan Dant, of Vincennes, Indiana and brother-in-law, Vincent Goysich of Dallas, Texas, also survive. He leaves behind many loving nieces and nephews. Bernie loved God, his family, and his fellow man, and he touched the lives of many with his faith, generosity, talents, and love. 

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to the St. Vincent de Paul Society in memory of Bernie.