William Bernardi, Jr.

William “Billy” Robert Bernardi, Jr., age 73, of Highland Park, IL passed away Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at his home in Waukegan.

Billy was born June 4, 1950, in Lake Forest, Illinois to Bill and Alice Bernardi.

Billy’s generous way is attributed to his personal and private relationship with God. He could put one’s mind at ease with his smile. He will be remembered for his infinite love for his family, his soulmate Argentina (Tina) Menendez and their two dogs Kumo and Chiquitito, and their three cats Audrey, Bianca, and Sammy.   

Billy went to Saint James School (1964), Highland Park Highschool (1968) and Whitewater University, WI (1971). He deeply loved his sisters Barb and Candy, brother-in-law’s Bob and Bill (Blue), and his nephew Billy. 

He enjoyed life to its fullest. He enjoyed golfing, biking, hiking, traveling in his RV, listening to music, going to Cub games, and car shows.

He appreciated the outdoors, cooking on an open fire, hiking, biking, shopping, and the simple environment of hearing the birds sing and sleeping in the peaceful fresh air.

He was a gifted athlete. He relished playing baseball and could throw a runner out at home plate, on a dime, from centerfield. He was nicknamed, Lucas McCain after the Rifleman.

His smile was contagious and his humor irreplaceable. He was a happy pill.

He found pleasure in telling stories, trying out new things, reading, and spending quality time with his friends.

Billy had many jobs, about 24. He was a part-time milk man, cab driver, delivery driver, mover, and bartender.  His main work was at Searle Pharmaceuticals (finance), Dealer’s Ready Mix, and School District 113 (finance and bus driver). He was drafted in the United States Army Reserves in 1971 and was a proud Veteran.

Billy was preceded in death by his sister Barb Quackenbush (2023) and brother-in-law Bob (2022).

Survivors include Argentina (Tina) Menendez, Waukegan, Illinois, his sister Candy Laing (Bill), Lake Bluff, Illinois, and nephew, Billy Laing (Hannah), Scottsdale, Arizona.
Visitation Saturday, June 15, 2024 9:00 A.M. until time of Memorial Mass 10:00 AM at The Church of Saint Mary, 175 E. Illinois Rd, Lake Forest, IL followed by Military Honors at 10:45 A.M. at the church entrance.   A memorial luncheon will follow to be announced.

Inurnment services will be private at a later date at Fort Sheridan, Illinois.

In lieu of flowers, please honor Billy with a gift to your favorite charity or any animal shelter.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of William Bernardi, Jr., please visit our floral store.