Bernard “Bernie” Covelli passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family and his precious fur baby Beny.
Bernie was born Benard Michael Covelli on January 23rd, 1943.
He was educated in the Kenosha Schools. Always had an interest and passion in history and political science, he continued his education at UW Madison graduating with a BA in history. As a trendsetter, the first to attend and graduate college from his large extended Italian family. One of his major accomplishments was surviving in Wisconsin as a diehard Bears and Cubs fan. More importantly, he was a loving caregiver to his elderly parents, providing in home care until their death. He will be missed by all who knew him, bringing laughter with a gifted sense of humor and a positive nature.
He is survived by his loving and caring daughter Juliane, his adoring grandchildren, Mary (Tyler) and John (Becky), his fur baby Beny, many relatives and lifelong friends.
We would like to thank Horizon Home Care and Hospice Services for the compassionate care they provided.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, July 18th, 2023, at 11:00AM at St. Marys Catholic Church in Kenosha. Visitation with the family will be on Tuesday, at the church from 9:30AM until the time of mass. Entombment will follow at All Saints Catholic Cemetery.
Donna Parkinson (Voss)
So sorry to hear of Bernie passing but glad no longer suffering. Rest in Peace.
Patricia Malko (Aiello)
I am so sorry to hear of Bernie's passing. I have so many, many memories of Bernie and our good friends from jr.high. If I have to name a few of our group it would be the ones we already lost like Rita, Jimmy, Jack and now Bernie. It truly was the best time in my life in school. So many good , so many funny stories ,so many good memories.
Bernie really was one of a kind, he truly will be missed. Rest in Peace Bernie.
Marla Foth (Moody)
So sorry to hear of Bernie's passing. My condolences.
Eva Poole (Gilson)
I heard Bernie was very sick, but I was hoping for a way to see him while back in Kenosha for the reunion birthday party. Maybe we can honor him and others lost this year from our class--at the party. I suspect we'll all be thinking of him and other lost friends/classmates. Sending blessing to loved ones of Bernie, and to his spirit. Love to you, Bernie. You were a funny guy. Like Pat Malko Aiello, I remember funny times with you in Junior High days at Lincoln... Eva Poole-Gilson
Henry Hartnek
So sorry to hear of Bernie's passing. I still think of him as an upbeat guy and fun to be around. My sincere condolences to his family. May he rest in peace.
Gary Hillesland
Sorry to hear of Bernie's passing. He was a good guy. We'll all mis him. Damn life is getting short.
I wince at every notice of another classmate passing. Enjoy what's left.
Janice Hoffman (Johnson)
Bernie - our deepest condolences and sympathies go out to your family and friends. May you now rest in peace and finally be pain free. Tomorrow's are promised.....to.....no one..... so we just need to go for it and live every day as though it's our last. You brought laughter into everything that you did, and that was what attracted others to you....and you cared about others too.. So glad you, Jerry & I were always able to spend some time, laughing and joking around at the class reunions. Love You!!!
Marilyn Copen (Birky)
May he rest in peace.
Rita Martino (Ginocchio)
"A rose from Bernie"? That's what the funeral director asked as we said our good-bye's in the mausoleum. "Would you like to take a rose from Bernie' s floral display to remember him by "? Of course we all took one and of course in about a weekend's time that rose will be disposed of, but not the memories I have...that we all have of Bernie Covelli. So often I would come across the Bain school photo of our second grade class standing in rows, each of us wearing various versions of bunny hats. Priscilla Crow, Cassie Sartor, Dennis Lento, Pat Cafferty, Joyce Smoler, myself and many others from our grad class who's name escapes me at the moment. And there was Bernie, front and center looking all smiles and innocent.If truth be told, I recall he and Dennis Lento spending equal amounts of time in Principle Mr Magaro's office, often together !
Ironic isnt it thruout the course of their lives there wasnt much of a personality change...Bernie remained a rascal almost till the day he died. A loveable rascal to be sure but now here he was or what remained of him, silent and dressed not in a crisp white shirt, tie and sports jacket, but in a Cubs T-shirt, hands clasping a rosary ! I'm sure he told his daughter Julieann to "make sure he was comfortable and wearing his favorite shirt...he was gonna wear that for all eternity after all"! There are some people who you know that when you're with them, for certain you're in for a good time, a laughing good time. I have 6 friends like that...actually now 5 friends like that. That one friend who left us is now entertaining those who loved him and went before him. I can picture them waving and so joyful at his arrival ! "Bernie, over here Bernie"!! Yes, one more of our Bradford family has left us and we who are left standing here are just a little bit more diminished in size and our gatherings will be a little less joyful, a little less sparkle without Bernie Covelli.
Yes, I'll take a rose from him. But, no, I won't need it to remember him by. He is someone I will never forget and expect to greet me with laughter when I am called Home. I'm counting on it Bernie...make sure you have a pasta dinner ready and keep the vino coming :- ) !!
Janet Lutz
So many memories. Rita, you pretty much said it all.