Thomas M. Bernabei

Thomas Michael Bernabei, age 79, of Canton, Ohio, passed away unexpectedly from complications from a recent procedure on Thursday, December 11, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family and close friends.

A lifelong resident of Canton, Ohio, Thomas was born July 21, 1946 to Joseph N. and Dorothy M. Bernabei. He was a 1964 graduate of Canton Lehman High School and graduated from Brown University in 1968. After Brown, Thomas served four years in the United States Army as a Captain, including one tour of duty in Vietnam. Tom graduated at the top of his class from The Ohio State University School of Law in 1975.

Tom was a respected public servant for more than five decades. He began his long and distinguished career in public service as an Assistant Prosecutor in Massillon Municipal Court. He later served as an Assistant Law Director in Canton and was elected Canton Law Director in 1989. After retiring from the Law Department in 2000, he was elected to Canton City Council and served one term as Councilman at-Large. He subsequently worked as Director of Public Service in Canton from 2008 to 2009 and as SARTA's interim Executive Director in 2009. He was elected as a Stark County Commissioner and served from 2010 to 2015. He served as Mayor of Canton for two terms, from 2016 to 2023.

Throughout his career, Tom championed key issues, meaningful reforms, important legislation, and community priorities-always with the betterment of Canton at the forefront. He played an instrumental role in landmark projects, including the development of Centennial Plaza. Known for his integrity, leadership, steadfast sense of public duty, and sharp wit, he inspired generations of residents, colleagues, and young public servants. Tom will be remembered not only for his many accomplishments, but for his unwavering commitment to the people of Canton, Ohio.

Outside of public life, Tom was deeply devoted to his family. He enjoyed golfing, visiting his children and grandchildren, reading, and playing with his dog Rosie. He was a lifelong fan of the Cleveland Guardians, the Ohio State Buckeyes, and the Cleveland Browns.

Tom is survived by the love his life, his wife, Bernadette "Bebe"; his children Laurel Krieger (Dirk) of California, Kimberly Kingsbury (John Rinaldi) of Canton, and Kymberly Ainsworth (Scott) of California; his grandchildren Madeline Kingsbury (Joe Stiller) of Pittsburgh, Margaret Kingsbury of Canton, Treythan Krieger of California, Thomas Kingsbury of Canton, and Tristyn Krieger of California; and his sister Marcia Tusa of Vermilion. He was preceded in death by his brother Joseph, and his parents Joseph N. and Dorothy M.

Calling hours will be held on Sunday, December 14th from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM in the McKinley Room of the Canton Memorial Civic Center at 1101 Market Ave N Canton, OH 44702. A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Monday, December 15th at 11:00 AM at the Christ the Servant Parish at Our Lady of Peace Church located at 833 39th Street NW Canton, OH 44709, with Monsignor Lewis F. Gaetano as celebrant.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the wonderful citizens and friends of Canton, Ohio. The love, support, and kind words you've offered since the passing of our beloved Tom – our husband, father, grandfather, and steady guide – have meant more to us than we can express. Every message has brought us a moment of comfort and reminded us of how many lives he touched. We would also like to thank all of the wonderful doctors and nurses in the Aultman Hospital outpatient surgery, intensive care unit, and surgical intensive care unit.

Tom left his impact on every single person who came into contact with him. Second only to his family, serving the city he loved was one of the greatest joys of his life. He was the light of our lives and a joy to be around. We know that he would want us all to carry that spirit forward: to treat each other with love, to help whenever we can, and to keep finding ways to make life just a little bit brighter for those around us.

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