Clovis educator’s organ donations save lives after deadly attack

Just 10 days after his death, beloved son, uncle and educator Geoff Bernardi became a saver of many lives through organ donation.

“This is the only silver lining in this whole tragedy,” said Erin Adams, Bernardi’s mother.

Adams said he led the pride march through the halls of Community Regional Medical Center as surgeons prepared to harvest his son’s organs.

“I wanted to walk with him before the party and it was really hard to do because he was so beaten. That was the last time I saw him when they got to the operating room where the organs were going to be harvested. It was heartbreaking,” Adams said.

Bernardi, a well-known Clovis educator, was violently attacked by a stranger outside his apartment complex on Dec. 18, police said.

His girlfriend, the only witness, said the attacker was wearing only a black puffer jacket with a hood. Bernardi died from his injuries on December 20.

RELATED: Beloved Clovis educator dead after violent attack, family says

Clovis police said they are still working to find the suspect.

“When a homicide occurs in Clovis, since there aren’t that many homicides every year, we’re on standby. All the time. All of our detectives have been following seven days a week since the homicide occurred,” said Clovis police spokesman Ty Wood.

Adams said Tuesday he hopes an arrest comes soon, but even that won’t fill the void left behind by his son’s death.

“I shouldn’t burn my 37-year-old son. This is wrong. This was very wrong behavior,” he said.

Bernardi’s organs were donated and received by patients including an 8-year-old girl and a 21-year-old boy.

Photos shared by Bernardi’s family show that they recognized him; He is a family man who enjoys spending time with his nephews and devotes his life to youth.

Adams hopes her son’s love continues through those who receive his organs.

“Some believe they inherited traits from organ donors, and I hope they inherit some of those traits from him because he had wonderful traits,” Adams said.

He shared the last message he gave to his son while saying goodbye.

“I love you, I miss you, and I wish I could spend time with him one more time,” Adams said.

Geoff Bernardi’s family is a GoFundMe page For anyone who would like to help with funeral services.