Eric Bernabei

1982 - 2023

Eric Bernabei
Born: September 1, 1982
Died: April 6, 2023
Eric John Bernabei, age 40, of Peru, passed away Thursday, April 6, 2023, at Northwestern Kishwaukee Hospital following a battle with stomach cancer.
Funeral services are at 10:30AM Wednesday, April 12th at the Barto Funeral Home in Spring Valley. Visitation will be at the Barto Funeral Home on Tuesday from 4:00PM – 8:00PM. Additional visitation will be at the funeral home on Wednesday from 9:30AM until the time of services. The Barto Funeral Home in Spring Valley is entrusted with the arrangements.
Mr. Bernabei was born on September 1, 1982, in Peru to Karen and Randy Bernabei. He married the love of his life Amanda Kurtz on January 7, 2023, in picturesque Punta Cana. He was an avid hunter and fisherman with some pretty tall tales to share. He was a proud member of the Laborers International Union of North America Local 393 of Marseilles. He enjoyed his time working with his union brothers and sisters at various businesses both local and the Chicagoland area. He was an active member of the Dalzell Rod and Gun Club and in the Split Rock Rod & Gun Club. He was a dedicated volunteer of Cops 4 Cancer and a former member of the Dalzell Fire Department. He enjoyed farming with his Bernabei family and spending as much time as he could with his parents, siblings, nieces, nephews and cousins on both sides of his family. He was a die-hard Packers fan always ready for a good debate. His laugh was bigger than life, his bear hugs left you feeling like you were the only one in the room, and his infectious humor kept everyone laughing. To know Eric was to know a superhuman who touched lives no matter where he went. There was hardly a local charitable event that Eric did not support. He was kind, generous and a friend to everyone.
He loved being Landon's bonus father and was active in every aspect of fatherhood. The love they shared was one that will last forever.
Eric is survived by his wife and step-son, Landon Gisler of Peru. His mother Karen (Dale) Ammons of Dalzell, His three sisters; Stacey (Don) Ernat of Peru, Jamie (Damien) Madden of Spring Valley, and Talia Ammons of Dalzell. Mother and father-in-law Rick and Donna Kurtz of Peru. Sister-in-law Jennifer Kurtz (Jeff Bassett) Step-brother T.J. Fulara of Dalzell and step-mother Bonnie Bernabei of Dalzell. Nephews and nieces; Michelle (Austin) Simmons, Gage Andreoni, Brantley Ernat, Amethyst Ernat, Payton and Chance Johnson, Addison Ernat, Kendal Bassett, Bentlea Ernat (God daughter), Lane Bassett, Brock Bassett and Luka Simmons. God daughter Emmie McNutt along with all of his favorite cousins. His beloved fur babies Scarlett, Ruby, Storm, Chilla, and Binx.
He was preceded in death by his father Randy on July 24, 2014. His maternal and paternal grandparents along with many special aunts and uncles.
Honorary pallbearers; Mike Bernabei, Bobby Dieci, Jay Shaw, John Bender, Caleb Taylor, Jesse Nauman, Matt Guisti, Clay Pijanowski, Jeff Bernabei
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family to establish a scholarship for Landon and Cops 4 Cancer. The Eric Bernabei Benefit planned for April 15th from 5PM-10PM at Senica's Oak Ridge will offer an additional opportunity to celebrate Eric and support his loving family he leaves behind