Bernard J. Carpenter

Obituary

Bernard “Bernie” J. Carpenter, 85, of Berkeley, IL, was called home on December 15, 2020.

Visitation for Bernard Carpenter will be held Sunday, December 27, 2020 from 2:00-5:00 PM at Brust Funeral Home, 135 S. Main St., Lombard.  Funeral Services will be held on Monday, December 28, 2020, with 10 AM prayers from Brust Funeral Home to St. Domitilla Church, 4940 Washington St., Hillside, for 11 AM Mass. Interment will follow at Queen of Heaven Cemetery, Hillside, IL

He was born on January 27, 1935, to the late Elizabeth (nee Doolan) and Joseph Carpenter in Chicago, IL, and was raised in Cicero, IL, along with 13 siblings. Bernie graduate from Morton East High School and was a U.S. Navy Veteran. He retired from General Motors after 47 dedicated years.

In 1963, Bernie met the love of his life, Jeanette “Jean” nee Smogur, and swept her off her feet. Five months later they were married on October 19, 1963. Together they raised seven children in Berkeley, Illinois. Bernie remained a resident of Berkeley until his death.

He was a devoted Catholic for all his life and a member of St. Domitilla Church in Hillside, Illinois. He was an active member of the Moose Lodge #777. Dancing was their passion. If music was playing, Bernie and Jean could be found dancing to it.

Bernie also enjoyed planting flowers and reading about God.

He is survived by his loving children, Mary (Russell) Gedaly, Therese Cottone (Boyd Thomas), Timothy (Mari) Carpenter, Eileen (Michael) Busse Sr, William Carpenter, Bridget (David) Cale, and Brian Carpenter; 13 grandchildren Jillian Osinski, Brianne (Jerrod) Bower, Justin, Cameron, Carson Gedaly, Kaela and Michael Busse Jr, Alaina, Jacob and Josephine Cale, Evan Carpenter, Mariana Carpenter, Erick Roque; four great-grandchildren Brevin Davis, Jace, Gia, and Jordan Bower; dear sisters, Bernadine “Bonnie”(the late Pat) Cimaglia, and Patricia “Pat”(the late Raymond) Benesfield; sister-n-law Claudia (the late Frank) Smogur; and many nieces and nephews.

Preceded by his beloved wife of 53 years, Jeanette “Jean” (nee Smogur) Carpenter, his parents, his sisters, Mary (Ronald) Schnieder, Ellen (Bill) Hannan, Josephine (John) Barrnea, Catherine (Mitch) Ruchinski, Theresa (Bill) Hannan; and brothers, Lawrence, Patrick (Angie), Terrance (Jerry), James (Joann), two brothers who died young in life, and Edward and Kay Smogur.

One of Bernie’s most famous sayings was, "What’s it all about?” (for himself, Jean, his family and his faith in God).

Until we meet again, “See you later alligator.”

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be sent to your favorite charity.

Info www.brustfuneralhome.com or call 888-629-0094.

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