Joseph Arthur Bernal

Joseph Arthur Bernal was born August 4, 1974 to Jose and Maria Bernal in Rio Piedra, Puerto Rico.

He came to New Jersey at age 21, and gained his Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice from Kean University in 2004 and began his law enforcement career in 1998 as an Essex County Deputy Sheriff. He moved to the Newark Police Division the following year, and since then served in a variety of divisions, including the Fugitive Task Force, Safe City Task Force, and ultimately as Community Outreach Detective with the Citizen/Clergy Unit, which works to heal hearts and souls amid tragedy.

Joseph has volunteered every Thanksgiving and Christmas Day for the past eight years to provide at-risk, and in-need Newark youth with meals and toys appropriate to these holidays, bringing them joy and warmth.

He enjoys the love and support of his wife Cynthia Vega Bernal of 23 years who blessed him with three beautify children, whom are the light in his eyes.

Considered an outstanding role model, police officer, community servant, and activist.  He stands in the first rank to protect and serve our residents, and goes above and beyond that calling with his volunteer work.  He embodies the strength of our city in his life and works.  Not once did his illness prevent him from doing what he did best, serving the community at large.

However, on Friday, December 21, 2018, the Almighty called out to him and this call he could not ignore.  

He leaves behind to cherish his memory his courageous unstoppable wife, Cynthia Bernal, his children, Joshua, Jayden and Jaylah. His parents, Jose and Maria Bernal, his two sisters Violeta and Ginie, and a host of cousins, nephews and in-laws.

And most of all he leaves his memories of good deeds to his beloved Community which he was proud to be a part of throughout his entire career.

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