John Di Bernardo was born in 1947 in San Pedro, California. His parents emigrated from Ischia, Italy, to San Pedro. His father was a fisherman who owned several boats. Eventually, his father worked on his uncle's boat, the Santa Maria, until retiring when John was nine years old. John's mother worked in the canneries and the harbor on Terminal Island during World War II. In 1985, John began working for Stevedoring Services of America (SSA), starting as a superintendent and later managing the Indies Terminal and overseeing its expansion into the YTI Terminal. Over his career, John has held various managerial roles, focusing on labor relations, contract negotiations, and new business development in the port industry​​ .

Scope and Content Note
The oral history interview with John Di Bernardo, conducted as part of the Port of Los Angeles Centennial Oral History Project, provides a comprehensive account of his life and career. The interview details his early life in San Pedro, highlighting the influence of the local Italian fishing community and his family's involvement in the fishing industry. John recounts his father's career as a fisherman and his mother's work during World War II, providing a vivid picture of the community's dynamics and challenges during that period. The interview then transitions to John's professional journey, beginning with his education and initial foray into the port industry. He describes his roles at SSA, including his responsibilities at the Indies Terminal, its operations, and eventual consolidation into the YTI Terminal. John discusses the intricacies of managing a multifunctional terminal, handling various types of cargo, and the significant shift from breakbulk to containerized cargo. He also touches on the technological advancements in the industry and the challenges faced in labor relations and cargo distribution. The interview concludes with John's reflections on the changes in the port and shipping industries over the years and his vision for the future, emphasizing the need for efficient cargo handling and improved logistical systems​​.