Robert Bernat (July 3, 1931 – December 3, 1994) was an American composer and the founder, artistic director, and conductorof the River City Brass Band in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

In 1960, Bernat received a Crofts fellowship to attend the Boston Symphony Orchestra's Tanglewood Music Center in the Berkshires where he studied with composer Aaron Copland.

The Grimethorpe Colliery Band premiered the piece in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, and in New York City as part of the United States Bicentennial celebrations.

In 1981, the River City Brass Band (RCBB) gave its debut performance at Pittsburgh's Carnegie Music Hall.

Under his direction, the RCBB's musicians brought a variety of music — everything from traditional marches and Broadway tunes to newly commissioned works—to Pittsburgh audiences.

With the RCBB in its 15th season, Bernat handed over his baton to cornet player, Denis Colwell, but continued to work behind the scenes to ensure that his artistic vision was properly executed.

Bernat married Edwinna Bossler, a fellow Johnstown native, in 1954, and they had three daughters, Brenda, Rebecca (Becky), and June Elizabeth (Betsy).