It is with great sadness that we share Edward Piacentini Bernardi, founder of Bernardi Securities, passed away Saturday, March 21, 2026.

Ed founded Bernardi Securities in 1984 with a clear vision and unwavering determination. Taking a significant personal risk to pursue that vision, he built what would become a highly respected firm in the municipal bond market. His leadership, discipline, and commitment to excellence laid the foundation for the firm’s long-term success.

Born in Highwood, Illinois, to Italian immigrant parents, Ed’s life reflected the essence of the American Dream. His father was a coal miner turned landscaper, his mother a housemaid. As a recipient of the Chick Evans Caddie Scholarship, he attended and graduated from Northwestern University. He began his professional career as a toy salesman before ultimately finding his calling in the municipal bond industry. After co-founding Columbian Securities in the early 1960s, he later established Bernardi Securities, which has grown and thrived for over four decades.

Ed was known not only for his business acumen, but for his integrity, work ethic, and deep sense of responsibility to others. He was president of the Union League Club of Chicago and also the Union League Boys & Girls Clubs Foundation. Later in life, he authored two historical fiction novels The Reluctant Patriot and Kill the Devil Twice covering pre and post-war Italy.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Ed was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. He took great pride in the lives and successes of those around him and worked tirelessly to create opportunities for others.

Ed’s legacy lives on through the firm he built, the people he mentored, and the values he instilled. His vision continues to shape our culture, our work, and our commitment to serving our clients and community.

We are deeply grateful for his life, his leadership, and the enduring impact he has had on all of us. From modest beginnings, Ed truly maximized life.

Our thoughts are with his wife Mary and the entire Bernardi family during this time.

His obituary can be found here: https://www.symondsfuneralhome.com/obituary/Edward-Bernardihttps://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/edward-bernardi-obituary?id=61107624