I am sad to write that my father, Pat Berardini, p***ed away Wednesday, May 29, 2013, at the age of 85. He had been in the last stages of dementia. He died peacefully with my brother, sister and me at his bedside. Dad grew up in Los Angeles, working on cars at local garages. While in the Navy he sketched plans for the car lot he dreamed of owning when he was discharged. He opened the car lot and later a muffler shop, too. During that time he souped up a '32 Ford and painted it black with white flames. My Dad and his brother Tony raced at the Santa Ana Drag Strip and other strips including Saugus. It wasn't long before they bought a '29 Ford for Tony to race in the open altered gas cl***. Pat was not content with the first flames he painted so after two more variations of the white flames, the #3 became the "404Jr" when Von Dutch did the pin striping. The "Jr" stood for his son, Pat Jr. Tony's car had the same white flames and became the #7. The memories of those racing days were one of the highlights of Dad's life. The two subsequent owners, Jeano Lacoste and Rudy Perez made that car's history even richer. Roger Morrison purchased the 404Jr from Rudy Perez in 2004 and had it restored to its original configuration by Dave Crouse. The unveiling of that car one year later at the NHRA museum in Pomona was unreal for my dad. The car went on to receive many awards including the Doane Spencer award at Pebble Beach. But the night of the unveiling was when the history of the 404Jr came full circle for Dad. I can still see the look on his face when he saw his car after more than 50 years.
Sorry for your loss. I didn't know him personally, but it appears he lived a good life and brought fun and excitement to everyone that had a chance to see him and his cars.
So sorry to hear that Susan. Your dad was well known and respected in the Hot Rod and Racing community. We had a car at the 75 Significant 32's display that was right near his and we got a chance to talk to him - neat gut! Godspeed Pat.
Susan, sorry for the loss of your dad. What great memories you must have of him. What more can be asked when it comes our turn to leave this world? Again,sorry about losing your dad...
Very sorry to hear of your Dad's p***ing. I'm sure Tony & Pat are racing on Heavens Dragstrips right now. RIP Berardini Bros.
NOTE: The American Hot Rod Foundation website has some good pics & info about the Berardini Bros ... including a video interview with Pat! Also checkout Bad Bob's Berardini Bros. 32 Roadster and a close friend... for more pics of Tony's #7 '29 Model A and Pat's #404 Deuce drag roadsters.
Susan and Pat Jr., Your father was a admired man in all he did, and fulfilled more in a life-time than most of us could ever wish. Tony and he can now be together once again to tune the angelic music that only their flat-head, multi-carbed, Isky cam'd, Berardini muffer'd beauty could produce. Their time forever is now again as "late nights" tinkering each note before packing it altogether to make to the race. Seeing them arrive at a track had to strike panic in all that would watch the rear bumper of their work fly by in its angelic beauty... so many times. I wish everyone here knew him as I did, a smile that always greeted me, care in everything he did... He will be missed by his community and the lives he touched.
very sorry for your loss. I have always admired the look of the 404 roadster he really got it right. his name will live on forever with such a historic car!
Very sorry for your loss...as others have said, this roadster was a favorite...video of it in action on one of Don Tuttle's tapes, always enjoy watching it...
Susan I'm so sorry to hear about your dad p***ing. I had the pleasure of talking with him in person when we drove our roadster to California a while back. We also talked on the phone about all things Hot Rod he was a great guy. We have lost a pioneer and legend. Ronnieroadster
Oh man another legend lost. THe Berardini Roadster was one of my all time favorites ever. That thing and your father ruled. I am really sorry to hear he's p***ed but know that he's is NOT forgotten. The legend lives on.
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Susan, Im so sorry or your loss and also that I never got to meet your Dad as planned. May he rest in peace.
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