Bensenville man 'all about love,' family says

In his usual role as designated driver, Ryan Bernero dropped off his friends safely before heading home early Saturday morning.

He never made it.

Family members say they believe the 23-year-old Bensenville resident fell asleep at the wheel while he was driving east on the I-290 extension.

Bernero's car veered off the road and slammed into an embankment in Addison.

In the fire that followed, Bernero's family lost a devoted son who was unfailingly compassionate to others.

"He was the best kid in the world," said Ryan's father, Michael Bernero. "He was all about love."

The attitude was one of many traditions and beliefs passed down to Ryan by the close Bernero family.

Like his father and other family members, Ryan Bernero was a musician, manning the drums since age 13.

After dabbling in rock music, Ryan's talent led him to heavy metal, and he joined the local band, Onpic, Michael Bernero said.

Like his grandfather and father, Ryan was an ardent White Sox fan, and a softball lover. Two years ago, he followed in his father's footsteps and became a union painter for Local 275.

Ryan wanted to find love and have a family, his father said.

"I couldn't have been more proud of him," Michael Bernero said. "He was a fantastic, great young man."

Ryan Bernero is survived by his parents, Michael and Barbara Bernero; his brother, Les Bernero; and his sisters, Dayna and Danielle Bernero.

Visitation will be held from 3 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at Geils Funeral Home, 180 S. York Road, Bensenville.

Services will take place at 10 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Ryan will be buried at Mount Emblem Cemetery in Elmhurst.