Dr. Bernardo Manuel Utset

Dr. Bernardo “Bernie” Manuel Utset, 66, passed away October 18th, 2024. He was born January 21st, 1958, in Chicago but moved and spent his formative years in Plantation, FL. Bernie graduated from the University of South Florida with a bachelor’s degree in biology in 1980. He started medical school at St. George’s University before transferring and graduating from the Miller School of Medicine at the University of Miami in 1985. Bernie then moved back to Chicago and completed his residency in internal medicine in 1988, fellowship in cardiology in 1990, and an additional fellowship in interventional cardiology in 1991, all at Loyola University Medical Center. He then moved back to Florida joining the Jacksonville Heart Center/Baptist Heart Specialists practice in 1991 and had lived and practiced in the area since. 

 Bernie worked as an interventional cardiologist, serving the Jacksonville community for over 30 years. He had an immeasurable impact on his patients’ lives. His most memorable times, however, were when he was surrounded by the ones he loved. He valued his nights at the tennis and pickleball courts, his family trips to Big Sky, dinners at Dwight’s, and Jaguars games on Sundays. He was known for his unrivaled sense of humor, his secret flan recipe, and his love for fine Napa Valley Cabernets. Bernie’s family will miss playing backgammon, Cuban poker, and pool with him.

 Bernie is survived by his wife, Karen Knapp Utset; his children Elizabeth Utset Fiori (Carson); Michael Utset; Matthew Utset; and Emily Utset.

 A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 12:00 PM, Friday, October 25th in St. Paul’s Catholic Church with Reverend William Kelly as Celebrant. The family will accept flowers or donations to the ALS Therapy Development Institute in remembrance of his friend Dr. Marc Litt.