Michael Bernacchi Obituary

I have just learned of Mike's passing (4/9/25). Mike and I spent a lot of time together, both in the classroom (MBA '77) and in each others homes.
When I lived in Chicago, Mike and I would often take the Skokie Swift to Addison and Clark (Friendly Confines) to watch a Cubs game. I remember one year he brought his student's papers with him so that he could grade them enroute; he left them on the Swift!!
One year, Wrigley Field sold some folding chairs that had been used for many years in the stadium. I bought some and gave them to Mike for his home in Pleasant ridge.
Dr. Mike and Dr. Ken Kono combined with me to produce a paper in the "Contemporary Pharmacy Practice" Journal (Winter 1980, Vol.3, No. 1), entitled Do Consumers Price Shop For Prescription Drugs? It was based on my marketing Class paper, " A Consumer Evaluation Of The Consumer Information List Of Drugs In The State Of Michigan ".
Over the last several years, as we both retired, we seemed to drift apart from each other.
To Mike's family - My sincerest sympathy for your loss and I am forever grateful to count Mike as a close and valued friend.

Dr. B was the best professor I had at U of D. There was never a dull moment in his class. He was a realist and I had wonderful conversations with him.

In addition to his extensive commentaries on current events for news media, Mike provided free business lessons for high school teachers to use in classrooms through America's Marketing High School and its eponymous newsletter, Under the Mike-roscope. Every year, he surveyed hundreds of students on their most and least favorite Super Bowl ads, stayed up all night calculating results, and then held a huge party on campus the next day to reveal the best and worst ads. In all of these ways, he helped to elevate the profile of the University.

In addition to his extensive commentaries on current events for news media, Mike provided free business lessons for high school teachers through America's Marketing High School and its eponymous newsletter, Under the Mike-roscope. Every year, he surveyed hundreds of students on their most and least favorite Super Bowl ads, stayed up all night calculating results, and then hosted huge party on campus the next day to reveal the best and worst ads. In all of those ways, he helped to elevate the profile of the University.

My prayers and condolences go out to Professor Bernacchi's entire family. He was well-loved by his students and I'm sure well loved by his family. I had Professor Bernacchi for Consumer Behavior while at UDM as an undergrad. It was my absolute favorite class and he was my favorite professor. I am sad to learn that he has transitioned but I am grateful for the life and legacy he left behind.

God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. It was always a pleasure seeing Mike Saturday mornings at Pleasant Ridge Flag FB. May he Rest in Peace.

I do not remember too many of my professor from ~30 years ago...but I remember professor Bernacchi! Had a very unique voice and cadence to his lectures. I can still hear him in my mind. Sharp guy, kept my interest during lectures, and I learned much from his class. Condolences to his family...he left a big impact on many.

I had Professor Bernacchi for 4-5 classes during my time at UofD, including a directive studies class under his direction. Absolutely the best teacher I ever had! Made a huge impact on me and all those he interacted with. Thank you Mr Bernacchi!!

One of favorite professors, he was tough but excellent, definitely a void

Professor Bernacchi made an impact with his "no nonsense" approach to marketing and business. I won´t forget him.

Prof. Bernacchi was a very good teacher and a humble man. Some other student told me he had a law degree. He was no lawyer, though. He was way too interested in real life business.

I was a sophomore in then University of Detroit College of Business Administration when Professor Bernacchi joined the University and taught marketing courses. I took more than one course from him as he was interesting and entertaining and pointed out real world stories about consumer buying power. But what I want to share is very different. I went to his home in Oakland County as he wanted a call log that a few of his marketing students had when we worked at a call center in Downtown Detroit, as part of a marketing class. I took my younger brother Tommy with me for the drive. When we arrived at Mike´s door, he was joined by a bunch of his kids who were anxious to see who we were. Coincidentally, a cat also walked in with Tommy and me and his kids naturally assumed we brought the cat. I told Mike that I thought it was his cat. Several months later, Tommy was tragically killed in an auto accident and Mike said when he told his children what happened to the boy they met when we came to their house, Mike said his kids said, "yes, we remember him, he was the boy who gave us the cat." Rest in peace, Professor Bernacchi.

I had the pleasure of taking a class that Prof. Bernacchi taught. I was attempting to get a minor in business and his marketing class was required. It turned out to be one of my favorite classes in my time at Detroit Mercy. Prof. Bernacchi brought an energy and passion to the classroom that I imagine he put into everything he did in his life. While I don´t remember much of the subject matter we discussed in class or in our readings, I fondly remember how he pushed me to be a better student. My experiences in his classroom helped when I went on to law school after undergrad. I am sorry for your loss. And grateful to have known such a wonderful teacher, mentor, and person.

So sorry to hear about Prof. Bernacchi. It's 1/4/25, I was just going through some old papers when I ran across some of his insightful "Under the Mike-roscope" newsletters that I received while at the Detroit News. I Googled him, and just saw this obituary. I'm sorry so for your loss. He was so accessible to reporters and so quotable. My sympathies to his family and friends at this difficult time.