Help the Pegis Family with Medical Expenses

Many knew Bernard Pegis as a family practice physician in Front Royal, Virginia, who cared for countless patients, from babies to teens, adults to the wisest. He comforted many families in times of great loss and anguish, and every working day he thoughtfully treated people with various illnesses, including COVID-19.

 

Bernard recently passed away after fighting his own long and difficult battle with COVID. Many of his friends, family, and members of the community have asked how they might help the Pegis family, who are not only facing the loss of their beloved husband and father, but their main financial provider, and expect substantial medical bills after six weeks in the hospital. Donations given here will help keep the family afloat during this difficult time.

 

Bernard was a graduate of Thomas Aquinas College in California and St. Louis University School of Medicine, and was joyfully married for 20 years to the love of his life, Melody (née, Stachyra), who is a graduate of Christendom College. Melody and their 5 children – ages 6 to 19 - miss his wonderful presence in their home, cheering them on at basketball and baseball games, sharing his favorite gadgets, and attending Mass together.

 

In his work as a doctor, and as a devout Catholic, Bernard saw himself as a child of God, and always tried to treat his patients with the care and respect they deserve as fellow children of God. One time, Bernard heard that one of his neighbors was choking, so he dropped everything and ran down the street in his socks to help the neighbor. This kind of says it all about Bernard, a man who so often set things aside to immediately help others, whether in the hospital or elsewhere. (And wonderful and generous man that he is, he fielded phone calls and messages from many family and friends - and even strangers in places like grocery stores - who often started their conversations with “Can you look at this?” or “Should I be worried about this?”)

 

Locally in Virginia, but also previously in the Midwestern United States, Bernard cared for many. He was known as a brilliant physician who cared for his patients, body and soul. We are grateful that his legacy will carry on through his five beautiful children, and the extraordinary love and support shown by so many of those who loved him.