Bernard Kenyon, a beloved Baltimore educator at Mount St. Joe's Academy and Seton-Keough School, passed away on November 2, 2021. He was 89.

Over the course of decades as a high school Advanced Placement Chemistry teacher, Bernard's class outperformed every other high school chemistry class in the United States. He demanded the highest effort and attention, often sparring with football coaches who wanted their athletes on the field while Bernard demanded more lab time after school.

Just like any coach, he knew all the ways to motivate his students. It wasn't all just work. Bernard, donned a bathing suit and snorkeling gear, and permitted students who received the highest grade on the exam to dunk him in his classroom's emergency shower. Generations of Mount St. Joe's students mourned his death on social media recounting his humor and agreeing that he was a "Legend of the Mount." Multiple students who went on to careers as diverse as the law or science declared that they never worked harder than in his classroom.

Bernard taught until he was 81 years old. Ever the educator, he led experiments at his retirement party in front of hundreds of former students, colleagues and friends. Mixing chemicals and lighting flames, he explained to the laughter and tears of all gathered that, over time, he learned that the development of the student was more important than the content of the class.

Bernard's adopted hometown was Baltimore. Born on May 13, 1932 in Rhode Island, Bernard dedicated his life to enriching the lives of others. He was a Christian Brother for 29 years and led the Christian Encounter Program in Connecticut after leaving the brotherhood. He continued leading retreats at Mount St. Joes and instilled every student with simple words to live by: "I am loveable."

In 1982 he moved to Baltimore to marry Joanne Manzo. There they formed a dynamic team volunteering at Viva House, chairing peace and justice activities at St. Ignatius Church and neighborhood activities in the Mayfield neighborhood.

Bernard leaves his beloved wife of 39 years, Joanne, his brother and sister-in-law David and Noreen Manzo and nephew Lou Manzo.

Friends will gather to celebrate his life on Saturday, November 20, 2021 at 11 AM at St. Ignatius Church. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Viva House or the Bernard Kenyon/Joanne Manzo Scholarship Fund at Mercy High School.