Obituary of Elpidio Bernardi Jr.

Elpidio Bernardi Jr. was born in Cayey, Puerto Rico on December 29, 1941. He was one of nine children born to Elpidio Bernardi Sr. and Felipha Bernardi. Elpidio graduated from Cass Technical High School in Detroit, Michigan with the Class of 1960 and later attended trade school. On October 29, 1961 he wed the love of his life, the former AlbaLuz Acevedo. The couple enjoyed sixty-one years of marriage and were blessed with four daughters. A hard worker, Elpidio ensured his family was always cared for. He was employed for Skill Trades/ Engineering for Ford Motor Company for more than thirty-five years before retiring in 2015.  

Elpidio had a lifelong passion for horses that began when he first learned to ride as a young boy in Puerto Rico. With the assistance of his trainers, he came to be a successful harness trainer, earning him a place in the Michigan Harness Horseman’s Hall of Fame. Elpidio was also a trained blacksmith. Since the early 1970’s, he and his wife owned and operated a training facility, “El Comandante”, in Carleton, Michigan. The Bernardi children often assisted their father with chores on the farm. Known for sharing his great life lessons, he viewed any situation as a teachable moment. Elpidio had a smile that could light up a room and possessed an even more brilliant mind. He was strong willed and could persevere in any situation.

Elpidio Bernardi Jr., age 81, of Carleton, passed away at Ebeid Hospice Residence in Sylvania, Ohio on Friday; February 10, 2023. His passing was preceded by his parents and five siblings: Sor Genara, Maria, Laline, Augustina, and Frank.

To cherish his memory, he leaves his loving wife: AlbaLuz Bernardi; four daughters: Lisa (Joe) Putnam of Pendleton, Indiana, Michelle (Steve) Roberts of LasVegas, Nevada, Monique Bister of Chicago, Illinois, and Angelique (Michael) Highers of Monroe, Michigan; seven grandchildren: Joey Putnam, Nicole (Jason) Garza, Joshua (Stephanie) Slater, Erika Lyn Bister, Eric Highers, Zachary Highers, and Gabrielle Highers; seven great grandchildren: Alex, Selena, Chase, JR, Logan, Jordan, and Landry; three brothers: Mike Bernardi, Gilbert Bernardi, and Pedro Bernardi; granddog: “Noble Banister”, a Bichon, and his many beloved horses.

A private Celebration of Elpidio’s Life will take place at a later date. His care has been entrusted to Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe; 2442 North Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan 48162 (734) 384-5185. Cremation has taken place through the on-site crematory, Covenant Cremation of Erie, Michigan.

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