Bernie Carr, real estate icon

Bernie Carr, 81, born Jan. 12, 1935, went home to waiting friends and family Thursday, Dec. 29, 2016.

Bernie is survived by his wife Terri; his daughter Jen; son-in-law Tim; and adoring grandchildren Sadie and Boston.

He served in the U.S. Army with the Army Security Agency during the Korean Conflict. He was the founder and owner of Carr Real Estate Company, the top-selling real estate firm in Delaware County, Pa., for 30 consecutive years. Bernie was president of the Delaware County Board of Realtors in 1987. He was an instructor at Temple University Real Estate Institute, a noted author, humanitarian, prankster, fearless snooper, expert story teller, gourmet and mentor to many.

Bernie was more than just a brilliant businessman; he was a model of a life well lived. He was always quick with a laugh, a joke, or a helping hand. His generosity knew no limits, and he was the absolute definition of selfless. He was a good-time enthusiast who loved spending time on his boats, and at his beach house in Lewes, where he eventually retired. He enjoyed bird watching, reading a good "who dunnit" and became quite the cat lover after inheriting three cats from his daughter when she left for college. Bernie had little time for rules, only fun and adventure.

Above all else, he was the most extraordinary father in the world.

Bernie was loved tremendously by his family, including, but not limited to, his parents-in-law, George and Peggy Willoughby; his brother and sister-in-law, Joe and Debbie Lichman; and his nieces and nephew, Erin, Jess and Joseph Lichman,

Though he will be missed beyond words, the joy and sunshine that Bernie spread throughout his life will keep him alive in their hearts. The world is a better place for him having been a part of it.

Bernie recently celebrated 51 years of sobriety, so in lieu of flowers, his family would be very grateful for donations made in his name to Harwood House, a nonprofit treatment center that he founded and built in 1975, that has helped countless people on their journey to sobriety.