June 16, 1926 – February 13, 2026
Bernard M. Bayer, a longtime resident of Los Altos, passed away peacefully on February 13, 2026, at age 99. Born in Washington D.C. on June 16, 1926, Bernie was the youngest of eight children. After serving in the Army at the end of WWII, he settled in California, graduating from Sacred Heart in San Francisco and attending St. Mary’s College.
In 1952, Bernie married his beloved Dolores, with whom he shared 58 years of marriage and four children. A natural storyteller with an outgoing spirit, Bernie enjoyed a long career as a sales representative for McKesson & Robbins, becoming a familiar face at Los Altos and Kahn’s Corner Pharmacies.
Bernie was a devout member of St. Simon’s Church, a St. Francis High School Booster, and attended Los Altos events. He was known for his generous spirit, his love of gardening, and his devotion to his family. He was preceded in death by his wife, Dolores (2010), and his seven siblings.
He is survived by his children: Bernadette (Richard) Supan, Ken (Vikki), John, and Larry Bayer; three grandchildren, Ray (Vanessa), Valerie, and Joe; and two great-grandchildren, Haylee and Kevin. “Grandpa Bernie” will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, March 2nd at 10:00 a.m. at St. Simon Catholic Church, 1860 Grant Road, Los Altos, CA 94024. Burial will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 22555 Cristo Rey Drive, Los Altos, CA 94024.
