It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Passaic County Sheriff Richard H. Berdnik on January 23, 2024. We extend our prayers and condolences to the Berdnik Family as well as the citizens of Clifton and all of Passaic County, especially the Passaic County Sheriff's Department and the Clifton Police Department.

Visiting Tuesday, January 30, 2024 3-8 PM, at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, 381 Grand St., Paterson, NJ 07505

***PARKING WILL BE AVAILABLE ON BOTH DAYS AT THE PASSAIC COUNTY EMPLOYEE GARAGE, 384 GRAND ST.***

Funeral Wednesday, January, 31, 2024, 10 AM at the Cathedral. *** THE MASS WILL BE LIVE-STREAM https://rcdopcathedral.org/live-stream

Interment, St. Michael's Cemetery, South Hackensack.

For those who wish to make a donation in memory of Richard Berdnik, the family asks that you consider one of these organizations:

St. Joseph's Children's Hospital NICU, 703 Main St., Paterson, NJ 07503

St. Andrew the Apostle RC Church, 400 Mt. Prospect Ave., Clifton, NJ 07012

NJ Sharing Network, 691 Central Ave., New Providence, NJ 07974

On January 1, 2011, Richard H. Berdnik was sworn in as the 49th Sheriff of Passaic County.

Prior to becoming Sheriff, Richard Berdnik had a distinctive twenty-eight year career with the Clifton Police Department. Upon retirement, Sheriff Berdnik was the Commander of the Juvenile Division and the SWAT Team; previously, he had served in virtually every position in the agency. During his Clifton career, Sheriff Berdnik received numerous citations for exceptional service and received many certifications in various law enforcement functions.

Upon becoming Sheriff, Richard Berdnik undertook a complete top to bottom review of all aspects of the Sheriff's Office. Because of that review, operations were streamlined and efficiencies were created. Sheriff Berdnik has focused on improving technology, training and overall operations of the agency. Sheriff Berdnik has been able to help local law enforcement investigate and increase enforcement of criminal activity. All three major Divisions of the Agency: the Patrol, Corrections and Courthouse Security have seen basic and operational improvements under Sheriff Berdnik's leadership.

Sheriff Berdnik's professional memberships include: Member of the FBI National Academy Associates, Member of the New Jersey Honor Legion of Decorated Officers and Member of the Passaic County and International Chiefs of Police Association.

Sheriff Berdnik is a graduate of Clifton High School, New Jersey State Police Academy, FBI National Academy and FBI National Executive Institute, and has taken numerous Criminal Justice classes at Seton Hall University, University Of Virginia and Caldwell College. Sheriff Berdnik is a Parishioner and Eucharistic Minister at Clifton's St. Andrew's Church and 4th Degree Knights of Columbus. Proud of his Polish heritage, Sheriff Berdnik was the 2011 Marshal for the Passaic-Clifton & Vicinity Contingent in the Pulaski Day Parade in New York City. In 2014, Sheriff Berdnik was the Grand Marshal of the Pulaski Day Parade in NYC, proudly leading the parade up 5th Avenue.

Beloved husband for 38 years of Monica (Kudlacik) Devoted father of Ashley Jaramillo and her husband Oscar, Ryan Berdnik and his wife Rosalina, Alyssa Araujo and her husband Stephen and Kevin Berdnik and his wife Caitlin. Loving grandfather of Josefina, Juliette, Joseph, Bianca and Jason. Dear brother of Edward Berdnik.