Jospeh Primo Bernardini, 94, of Virginia, Illinois, passed away Tuesday, March 25, 2025, surrounded by loved ones at Springfield Memorial Hospital.

Joe was born on November 30, 1930, in Ladd, Illinois, the son of Primo and Lena Casassa Bernardini. He married Mary Louise Marenda in 1954. She preceded him in death along with his parents and sister, Helen Conor.

He is survived by his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren; including son, Joe Mark Bernardini (Kathy) of Parker, Colorado; daughter, Jane Charbonneau (deceased husband, Dale) of Peru, Illinois; son, Jim Bernardini (Gayla) of Chesterfield Missouri; and daughter, Julie (Dan) Rourke of Chatham, Illinois; and his sister, Elva Bergonia.

The last ten years of Joe's life were greatly enriched by the friendship of Judy Briggs and her family, including her daughters Sally, Sue, and Jill, and their children and grandchildren.

Known for his ever-present smile and gentle nature, Joe had a warmth that made others feel welcome. His strong faith guided his life, and he was deeply devoted to his family, his church and his community. He cherished time with friends – old and new – found joy in conversation, often sharing fond conversation, often sharing fond memories and funny stories.

Joe was a graduate of St. Bede Academy in Peru, Illinois, and attended the University of Illinois. He began his career in business as an assistant manager for sales with the Henry County Service Co., and in 1963 moved to Winchester to take over the Scott County Service Co. In 1970, he became Cass County Service Co. manager. He remained there for 23 years until his retirement. Joe was a former director of the Illinois Grain and Feed Association and was active in a variety of community and economic development roles.

Joe generously shared his talents with the community, including his service on the Virginia Park District Board. He was a member of St. Luke Parrish in Virginia where he served in many capacities over the years. He was a graduate of the Parish Life Ministry in Springfield Diocese.

A funeral mass will be celebrated at 1 PM Monday, March 31, at St. Luke Catholic Church in Virginia, Illinois, with burial at Walnut Ridge Cemetery. The family will meet friends from 2 – 4 PM on Sunday, March 30, at Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Virginia. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Virginia Park District or St. Luke Parish.

The Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Virginia is handling the arrangements. Condolences may be left at buchanancody.com.