Joseph Peter Bernardi
Born: November 22, 1930 in Spring Valley, IL
Died: March 7, 2023 in Hines, IL
Joseph Peter Bernardi, 92, of Ladd, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family in the Hines VA Hospital on March 7, 2023.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 a.m. Monday in the Nativity of Our Lord Church, Spring Valley with Fr. Scott Potthoff officiating. Interment will follow in the Ladd Cemetery with Military Honors. His family will receive friends from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services Monday in the church. Arrangements are through the Fiocchi Funeral Home, Cherry. Private online condolences may be left for Joe's family at www.FiocchiFuneralHomes.com
Joe was born on November 22, 1930 in Spring Valley to Donald J. and Mary L. (Ferrero) Bernardi. He was a graduate of St. Bede Academy. He served in the United States Army from 1951-1953 having attained the rank of Corporal. He married the love of his life, Mary Barbara Kasza, on December 29, 1951 in St. Joseph Catholic Church, LaSalle. They raised a large loving family and were blessed to celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary together. Joe retired from the LaSalle NewsTribune after working more than 30 years. He was a member of the former St. Benedict Church, Ladd, a member of the Nativity of Our Lord Church, Spring Valley, the Ladd American Legion, and the Ladd Moose. He was instrumental in establishing the Illinois Valley Regional Airport, served as the first president of the Illinois Valley Flying Club, served as Trustee for the Village of Ladd, the Hall Township Board, and was on the Ladd North Central Bank Citizens Advisory Board. He also served on the Ladd Grade School Board for many years.
Joe enjoyed spending time at the Bernardi family cabin at Devil's Lake, Wisconsin, traveling, especially enjoying the winter months in Florida, flying, cooking, and playing cards, but most importantly, he adored his family and loved spending time with them.
He will be missed by: his children, Kathy (Steve) Kaufmann of Peru, James (Margaret) Bernardi of Ladd, John (Paige) Bernardi of Chillicothe, Lisa (Brad) Cooper of Dunlap, and Susan (Bob) Lucas of Spring Valley; 17 grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren; and his sister Marie (Tom) Giordano of Ladd.
He is preceded in death by: his parents; his wife, Barbara on September 26, 2022; 2 brothers, Donald and Bernard Bernardi; a sister, Frances Victor; and one grandson, Brian Bernardi.

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Published by News Tribune on Mar. 11, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Bernardi

Sponsored by Fiocchi Funeral Home.

5 Entries

Frank Prokup

March 12, 2023

Joe was a neighbor, friend and a great family man! He inspired me at a very young age as he invited me to go flying with him one day. I thank the lord every day now as I continue to inspire the young soon to be pilots to follow their dreams as Joe did for me. You will be solely missed by all! God speed & fair skies! Semper Fidelis!

Gil Koplenik

March 11, 2023

Please accept my sincere condolences at the passing of your Dad. I worked with Joe for 6 years at the News-Tribune, I truly enjoyed my time with him, we had some good laughs.

Donald Bernardi

March 10, 2023

It was the late 1950s in beautiful Ladd Illinois, I have a vivid recollection a visiting Joe and Barb´s home across the street from the park in Ladd. Each time we get together either there or at Grandma and Grandpa´s, finishing dinner always meant that the fun would begin. Once the table was cleared, Joe would get out the pennies nickels and Dimes and the poker game would begin. I recall the clouds of smoke above the table and the banter back and forth between my mom and Joe needling each other about who was going to win that night. Although most of my Aunts and Uncles played, I am pretty sure Joe usually won, and I´m sure that´s what got my mom going every time the game started. I remember alcoholic beverages were involved but other than a few beer bottles I can´t remember what they all drank. I just know that our parents all loved to play, including grandpa Bernardi. I miss all those wonderful poker players!

Betty Ann Messne

March 9, 2023

Joe & Barb lived next door to us at Fort Sheridan. We had many fun times together. Spent time with them at the cottage in Wi. Good friends thru the years. My sympathy to his family.