Bernard Rylander

 Bernard Walter Rylander was born August 25, 1928 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania . The only son of nine children born to Florence Hodge Rylander and Benjamin Walter Rylander.

He was educated in the Public School System in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  He joined White Rock Baptist Church when he was 14. In 1956 he joined New Bethlehem Baptist Church.

He married Inez Gant, July 19, 1953, and they had three children. His oldest child Rose Marie died during a fire when she was three years old. Bernard and Inez's spiritual beliefs helped them overcome this tragedy and have two children; Angela Marie and Thomas Eugene. Bernard deeply loved his family and his children were his pride and joy.

He was called "Uncle Junior” by his nieces and nephews whom he visited often. Bernard and Inez were committee members for The Rylander/Ware Family Reunion which organized events and  gatherings in numerous cities throughout the United States. He was a family man and Patriarch of the Rylander clan.

He worked at Fels Naptha Soap Company until 1963, when he became disabled from illness for three years.  He then worked for the Yellow Cab Company and Miseracordia Hospital. In 1970 after recovering his health he started working for the Philadelphia Board of Education, until he retired at age 62. He along with his wife and children worked tirelessly to bring educational opportunities , joy, and love to a host of children through the  creation of Tots Yearn To Learn Inc. in 1983.  His children their spouses and grandchildren have continued to build on Bernard and Inez’s legacy of positively influencing and caring for children by opening additional Preschools in the Philadelphia area and its surrounding area.

He never tired of helping, lending aid, and providing words of wisdom to anyone in need.  His home was always full of neighbors and friends who fondly called him “Mr. Ry”. The smell of mouth watering  soul food filled his home daily. He prepared food for anyone who visited. His sense of humor was vast, and more charming because it was often delivered matter- of- factually without a smile. He had a playful manner, sly infectious smile, love and compassion for all.

He was a fashionable dresser who took pride in his appearance. A generous and kind man who will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him.

He departed this life on April 25, 2020 after a battle with COVID-19. It was GODS grace that allowed him to live to the ripe old age of 91 and that same grace ended his life’s journey on earth to be with the LORD, his wife and other love ones that preceded him in death.

He leaves to cherish his memory. His daughter Angela and son Thomas. His grandchildren, Reginald II, Alisha, Maximilian, Brandi, and David who enjoyed a special bond with him, ,and his great grandchildren, Ella and Charlotte. In-law Reginald Huc and daughter in- law Banae Maddrey , his surviving sisters Alice Parker and Barbara Bady, and a host of devoted  nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who adored him for the loving, compassionate man he was.