[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 212 (Tuesday, December 16, 2025)]
[House]
[Pages H5909-H5910]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING THOMAS BERNABEI

  (Mrs. Sykes of Ohio was recognized to address the House for 5 
minutes.)
  Mrs. SYKES. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise with a heavy heart to honor 
the life of the former mayor of Canton, Ohio, Thomas Bernabei.
  As a focused and committed public servant, Mayor Bernabei served the 
city of Canton and Stark County for more than 50 years in various 
capacities, but with the same dedication that drew praise and 
admiration from across the region.
  As a lifelong Stark County resident, Mayor Bernabei graduated from 
Lehman High before attending Brown University and later serving his 
country with the United States Army in Vietnam.
  Mr. Bernabei later attended The Ohio State University College of Law 
before beginning his long career in public service.
  Tom Bernabei got his start as an assistant prosecutor at the 
Massillon Municipal Court and then served as a Canton's assistant law 
director, law director, and as a Stark County commissioner and interim 
director of the Stark Area Regional Transit Authority.

                              {time}  1115

  Canton voters first chose Mayor Bernabei for mayor in 2015 where he 
served for two terms as a compassionate listener and problem solver.
  When he first took the job, the city of Canton faced significant 
budget deficits, but by the time he left office, the city had a roughly 
$12-million surplus.
  Mayor Bernabei championed the cause of affordable housing, helping 
working families across Canton realize their own American Dream while 
calling Canton, Ohio, their home.
  Before serving as mayor, Bernabei sat on the Stark County Board of 
Commissioners from 2010 to 2015.
  In every role, he brought fairness, humility, and a true commitment 
to helping his community. As mayor, Mr. Bernabei worked tirelessly to 
make Canton better.
  He oversaw the construction of Centennial Plaza and supported 
workforce

[[Page H5910]]

development, after-school programs, and essential social services. His 
work made a real difference in people's lives, and the city is stronger 
because of him.
  I want to say personally: It was a privilege to work with him. He 
cared deeply about Canton, and he never stopped fighting for its 
future.
  When I saw him at the swearing-in of his successor, I asked him if he 
was really going to retire or if he was going to pretend retire.
  He said: Don't worry. You will still see me around doing the work of 
the people.
  As a Renaissance man, Mayor Bernabei repeatedly displayed his love 
and support for the arts, especially in 2016 as he and his wife, Bebe, 
appeared as dinner party guests in a Canton Ballet production of ``The 
Nutcracker.''
  Mr. Bernabei also loved supporting the Cleveland Guardians and the 
Ohio State Buckeyes and spending time with his dog, Rosie.
  Mayor Bernabei passed away on December 11 at the age of 89, just one 
day before his wife, Bebe, and he would have celebrated their 39th 
wedding anniversary. His loss is deeply felt by everyone who knew him.
  Following his passing, Governor Mike DeWine ordered that flags be 
flown at half-staff at all public buildings and grounds to honor his 
memory. This past weekend, the city of Canton had the opportunity to 
pay our respects to a giant, a leader, a father, a grandfather, a 
husband, and a public servant.
  Today, on behalf of Ohio's 13th Congressional District, I send my 
sincere condolences to his wife, Bebe; his daughters; grandchildren; 
and all who knew and loved him. May the memory of Tom Bernabei inspire 
us all to continue the work that he believed in and believed in so 
strongly in the city of Canton.

                          ____________________