Bernard Claude Fornek, known affectionately as Bernie to his friends and loved ones, passed away peacefully on June 10, 2024, at the age of 86.

Born on February 21, 1938 to parents Frank and Catherine Fornek, Bernie spent most of his life in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. He grew up in a Polish neighborhood on Pulaski, and was the third eldest of four, with two brothers, Herb and Steve, and a sister, Dolores “Lo.” After graduating from Kelly High School, he took a year off and moved to LA. When he returned to Chicago, he spent two years in court reporting school, after which he began his lifelong career as a stenographer for Cook County and the Federal Judge. In 1960, he married Geraldine Pernigotto, and together they had six children, five sons and a daughter.

A lifelong Chicagoan and baseball fanatic, Bernie was a loyal follower of the Chicago White Sox throughout his life, and even spent a few years coaching little league when his children were young. His favorite pastimes were crossword puzzles, watching old movies, and playing cards. For much of his life, he also enjoyed a walk to the local convenience store to play his daily lottery ticket.

Bernie loved his family and was delighted for any time he could spend with them. He is survived by: his children, Mark (Patti), Gary, Alan (Adelle), Susan, Glen “Chop” (Jenny), and Greg; his grandchildren, Kayla, Nicholas, Josef, Brigid, Leslie, Erik, Ella, and Denton; his ex-wife, Gerrie; and his younger brother, Steve (Evelyn).