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Louis Henry Bernasconi , COL (USAF RET), 79, a resident of Albuquerque for 36 years, died Saturday, May 29, 2010. He was born in Napa, California to Louis and Mary Regusci Bernasconi and was the nephew of the late Jim and Livia Regusci. He graduated from Napa High School in 1949 and from Fresno State College in 1953 with a degree in business administration. He joined the Air Force in 1955 and retired in 1980 with 27 years of service. During his Air Force career, he was a radar navigator flying B-36's, B-47's, C-123's and B-52's. He served three tours in Vietnam earning The Distinguish Flying Cross, Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Cluster. On December 22, 1972, during his final tour in Vietnam, he was shot down over Hanoi, captured, and remained a prisoner until March 29, 1973. After completing Air War College, he was assigned to the Air Force Weapons Laboratory at Kirtland AFB, New Mexico, as director of the Laser Engineering and Applications for Prototype System (LEAPS) Division. Many of his colleagues felt he was the finest person they ever worked for and that he really took care of the people that worked for him. Louis is survived by his wife of 35 years, Sara; one daughter, Kathy Bernasconi of Fresno, CA; two sons, Michael Gist and wife Stephanie of Flower Mound, TX, and Mark Gist and wife Jill of Pritchard, ID; six grandchildren, Tawny DePiazza of Vallejo CA, Mathew and Charles Gist of Austin, TX, Mitchell Allen Gist of Flower Mound, TX, Mason Franklin Gist of Flower Mound, TX, Whitney Gist Parks of Pryor, OK, and Spencer Cheyenne Gist of Pryor, OK; one great-granddaughter; and two special cousings from Napa, CA.-Isabella Regusci-Simone and husband Amadore, and Angelo Regusci and his wife Mary. He was loved by many and will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Lou was preceded in death by his father, his mother and stepfather, and his aunt and uncle. A Memorial Rosary will be held on Monday, June 21, 2010 at 9:30 a.m. at French Mortuary Wyoming Blvd. chapel with a Funeral Service at 10:30 a.m. with a former LEAPS colleague, Father Doug Mitchell, as the Celebrant. A final celebration honoring Lou will be held at the home of Margaret Putnam, 3141 June St. NE following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the New Mexico Veterans Memorial, P.O. Box 8389, Albuquerque, N.M. 87198. Please visit our online guestbook for Louis at www.RememberTheirStory.com French 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE (505) 823-9400
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