SR2033 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR2033 LRB100 22390 ALS 41276 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Reverend William John Bernacki, who passed away on May 13, 2018 at the age of 93; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Bernacki was born John Bernacki in Chicago to John S. and Valentine J. Bernacki on December 18, 1924; he was raised in the Bucktown neighborhood with his siblings, Ruth, Thomas, Jerome, and Evelyn; he attended Taft High School and left before graduation to enlist in the United States Navy in 1943; he served for three years as an aviation mechanic during World War II; upon his return, he enrolled at Loyola University, where he earned a degree in commerce in 1949; he later earned a master's degree in education and counseling; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Bernacki entered the Dominican Order in August 1950, where he was given the religious name William; he studied for the priesthood at the Dominican House of Studies in River Forest, the St. Rose Priory in Dubuque, Iowa, and St. Albert's College in Oakland, California; he was ordained in San Francisco in 1956; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Bernacki started his service at Fenwick High School in 1959; he taught theology, business law, economics, geography, and civics for 20 years, until he became the school's principal; he served as Fenwick's 11th principal-president from 1979 until 1987; his service to Fenwick High School went beyond his teaching and administrative positions and included the roles of business manager, counselor, Father's Club moderator, and coach for his beloved sport of golf; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Bernacki left Fenwick in 1987 to become the prior at Dominican Priory in River Forest, as well as the president of the Priory Press; during this time, he still continued to remain active with Fenwick High School in support and advisory roles; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Bernacki had been recognized for his dedication to Fenwick High School during, and after, the time he served there; he was inducted into the Fenwick Hall of Fame in 1995, received the Lumen Tranquillum (Quiet Light) Award in 2011, and the school's Planned Giving Society was named in his honor; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Bernacki lived at the Resurrection Life Center from 2015 until his passing; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Bernacki is survived by his sister Ruth Sabatella; his sister-in-law, Dorothy Young; and his many nieces and nephews; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Reverend William John Bernacki and extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Reverend Bernacki as an expression of our deepest sympathy.