(This story has been updated to add new information.)
CANTON ‒ Tom Bernabei and his wife, Bebe, would have celebrated 39 years of marriage on Dec. 12.
The 79-year-old former mayor died at Aultman Hospital on Dec. 11 from complications after a surgery to place the remaining of four stents in his arteries, his family said.
“He’s made me a better person,” Bebe Bernabei said. “I am honored … so grateful that he chose me.”
She often was a fixture by his side at events during his eight-year run as Canton’s mayor. She said she loved every minute. Besides, it was a good way to ensure she’d get to spend time with her husband — a workaholic.
“He worked hard; he played hard,” said Kim Kingsbury, one of Tom Bernabei’s three daughters.
She said her father cared for everyone and was well-suited for his career in public service. Kingsbury and Bebe Bernabei admired his “methodical thinking,” and his ability to listen.
“He was the smartest person in the room, but he didn’t want you to know that,” Kingsbury said.
Tom Bernabei, they said, was typically in fine health. He often pedaled away on his Schwinn Airdyne stationary bike. However, during a recent exam, doctors found a good amount of calcium buildup in his arteries, which needed to be addressed with stents to restore blood flow.
Two stents were placed last week.
Then, two more this week.
During the second procedure, Bernabei, they said, likely suffered a mild stroke. But he was awake, talking and joking. He even ordered pizzas for the nurses. The plan was to spend the night, Dec. 10, in the hospital.
However, he developed a headache and nausea, the family said.
Doctors discovered a brain bleed. As Bernabei was being prepared for brain surgery, they found the bleeding had grown much worse. He died on the morning of Dec. 11 after family from California arrived.
Calling hours for Tom Bernabei are 3 to 6 p.m. Dec. 14 in the McKinley Room at Canton Memorial Civic Center.
A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11 a.m. Dec. 15, at Christ the Servant Parish, 833 39th St. NW. The retired Rev. Monsignor Lewis Gaetano will officiate. The service will end at North Lawn Cemetery.
Gov. Mike DeWine has ordered that flags will be flown at half-staff at all public buildings and grounds through Dec. 15 to honor Bernabei.
Reach Tim at 330-580-8333 or tim.botos@cantonrep.com.On X: @tbotosREP
This article originally appeared on The Repository: Former Canton Mayor Tom Bernabei healthy until stroke during procedure
Reporting by Abreanna Blose and Tim Botos, Canton Repository / The Repository
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