Bernardi J. Williams

Bernardi Julius Williams, loving husband, beloved father and grandfather, passed away unexpectedly with his family at his side on Thursday, August 7, 2025, in Parkridge, Illinois at the age of 63. 

He is survived by his  loving wife Terri of 21 years; children: Kyle Brothers (Tiffany) of Oshawa, Ontario, Canada, Bernadine Williams of Chicago, Illinois; Twins, Hayley of Palatine, and Midori of Arlinlington Heights, Illinois; step children: Nathan Smith (Emily) of Danville, Indiana; Joshua Smith of Warren, Michigan; Jordan Smith of Sterling Heights, Michigan; Lindsey Smith (Dave ) of Waterford, Michigan; mother in law, Mary Gelander of Williamston, Michigan, and 8 grandchildren.

Bernardi was the seventh of nine children in the Williams’ family.  He is survived by James Clayton Williams Jr. (Tammie) of Ypsilanti, Michigan; Thresa Thomas (Willie Sr.) of Madison, Alabama; Jerard Williams of Ypsilanti, Michigan; Patricia Wilson of Ypsilanti, Michigan; Dorothy Blackmon (Terry) of Ypsilanti, Michigan; Marvina Willis (Troy) of Ypsilanti, Michigan; and surviving sister in-laws:  Shonda Williams of Ypsilanti, Michigan; Deborah Williams of New Market, Alabama, and a multitude of loving nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.

Bernardi is preceded in death by his parents: James Clayton and Juanita (Hill) Williams, brothers:  Michael and Maurice, and his father in-law Harry Gelander

Bernardi was born on April 12, 1962 in Ann Arbor, Michigan.  He dreamed of one day growing tall enough to become a professional basketball player after falling in love with the game. He was a proud alumni of Willow Run High School where he led the basketball team to win several accolades and made a name for himself in the Michigan basketball community.  FLYERS4LIFE! He went on to play for the Siena Heights University Saints basketball team and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.  Afterwards, Bernardi had a stint on the Detroit Pistons try out team, making his childhood dreams come true.  He continued his professional basketball career in Canada.   He participated in Gus Macker street basketball tournaments across Michigan for nearly two decades.  Following his basketball career, he went to work for Digital Corporation and then Sears where he excelled in Sales.

He met his soulmate, Terri, who he was married to for 21 years.  They blended families and merged worlds to create a beautiful home for their entire family.  Terri and Bernardi relocated to Hoffman Estates with Sears in 2005.  Bernardi proudly trained and coached his girls to play basketball.  His proudest moments as a parent were watching the girls play basketball through high school in countless tournaments and state championships for Fremd High School. 

Go Vikes!

Bernardi had a knack for making everyone feel important and needed.  He was charismatic and his enthusiasm was infectious.  He could sell anything to anyone.  Those who worked with him loved him.  In his retirement, he loved going to the beach, fishing with his father in law, working out, buying lottery tickets and talking to all of his family and friends often.  His greatest happiness was spending time with his beloved grandson, Ziaire.

Bernardi appreciated and loved everyone in his life. 

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