Dr. Raymond Bernabei, Executive Director of the National Intercollegiate Soccer Officials Association (NISOA), passed away Friday, Sept. 5 in Longwood, Fla., after a brief illness. He was 82 years old.

A long-time friend of the NSCAA, Bernabei served as NISOA's Executive Director for the past 33 years. He was the 1990 recipient of the NSCAA Honor Award.

Bernabei, the 1985 winner of the Bill Jeffrey Award for outstanding service to intercollegiate soccer, was enshrined as a member of the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 1978.

Born in New Castle, Pa., Bernabei served as a soccer referee for 43 years, calling countless high school, college and professional matches. He was named NISOA's National Examiner in 1966, serving in that capacity for nine years before becoming the association's Executive Director in 1975. In addition, he served as NISOA President in 1973 and 1974. Bernabei was the 1976 recipient of the NISOA Honor Award, which is now named in his honor.

A graduate of Indiana University (Pa), Bernabei was among the initial inductees into the school's Athletic Hall of Fame in 1996. He played and coached for the Hawks from 1946-1950. He was inducted into the NAIA Soccer Hall of Fame in the Meritorious Service category in 1994.

A long-time educator, Bernabei was a member of Who's Who in American Education. He also earned Distinguished Service awards from the American Association of School Administrators and the Pennsylvania State Athletic Directors Association.

Bernabei is survived by two sisters, Mary Kuczynski and Nora Melani; sons Dr. Raymond, Alan and Leo; daughters Rosemary Rocconi and Lori Pursel; 12 grandchildren and two great-granchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to:
NISOA Foundation Fund
c/o: John Vandevaarst
NISOA
1030 Ohio Avenue
Cape May, NJ  08204

Funeral arrangements: Charles B. Jarvie Funeral Home, Inc., 1607 Pittsburgh Street,
Cheswick, PA  15024 (724-274-7080).

Viewing: Thursday, Sept. 11, 2008, 6-9 p.m., Charles B. Jarvie Funeral Home, Inc.

Services: Friday, Sept. 12, 2008, 9:30 a.m., Charles B. Jarvie Funeral Home, Inc.

Mass of Christian Burial: Friday, Sept. 12, 2008, 10 a.m., Our Lady of Victory Church
Low Grade Road, Harwick, Pa.

Interment: Following Mass at Lakewood Memorial Gardens, Route 910, Indiana Township, Pa.

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