Just reading this, sorry for the loss of your precious father, Paul (Jr.) 
What an incredible man I never got the chance to meet, I tried, but always missed him! He also built two beautiful homes in Clarendon Hills on top of all his other accomplishments. 

Condolences to your mother & family.

I am so sorry that I just learned of Don‘s passing.  I worked with Don since I was 16 years old at Griffith laboratories.   He was such a great friend and coworker, and we worked on such great projects at McDonald’s and long John Silver, and so many others. I so enjoyed working with him and learning from him and having him as a friend RalphSair.
Rasair@comcast.net
 please give my best regards to May, and to Paul

Condolences to Paul Jr and the entire Bernacchi family. I only met my cousin Paul Sr a couple of times in life. Wish we would have gotten to know each other better. The pictures of Brando brought back many memories of my dad and the Bernacchi bros. Rest in peace.

I am retired senior Principal food Scientist (Dr. Sumesh Hirway 2002 to 2015)Griffith foods. Don interviewed me along with large select committee. I was assigned by my boss Lisa Sprang to work with Don (2005) on Pollo Campero projects as they were opening restaurant in Chicago I traveled with Don to Guatemala number of times. Don taught me breading technology . Our well known product for Pollo Campero is Grilled Chicken which is still on their menu. 
I worked as meat scientist with him and other scientist and developed meat marinade., We traveled together to Guatemala . He sent me to Indonesia’ for Pollo Campero. He taught me to enjoy wine.
I kept in touch with him after my retirement. I will miss him. Taught me to be analytical in developing new products. I was first to introduce Don to Indian Cousine. 
Miss him. RiP Don

Don was a great partner to work with - a can do guy with a great attitude, and a real advocate for those who were fortunate enough to work with him.   My condolences to his family and friends - no doubt he will be greatly missed.

Unbelievable the amount of knowledge Don had and the way he shared this with all the colleagues! 
His creativity, coaching, kindness and friendship will be missed. 
So glad I got to know him and will always remember him.
My deepest Sympathy to family and friends.

My sincere condolences to the passing away of Don.  I've not had the chance to meet Don often by I do know that he has left profound memories on a lot of people at Griffith.   Withing all of his family and friends the strength in these difficult times.

I think it is fair to say that Don is a legend in Griffith history and I'm sure will remain so. 
I knew him through my work on the Yum account, where he was revered for his extensive knowledge. 
I hope now he finally has his glasses somewhere he can always find them when needed. 
Deepest condolences to Don's family and friends.

I worked with Don for many years at Griffith and will always remember his willingness to share with anyone his vast technical skills and creative thinking.  Don always had time to work with me on any issues I was facing and treated me so kindly and professionally.  

My wife and I had the pleasure of participating in one of Don's artistic endeavors as a member of the Crescendo Park Ensemble group various performances.  Only Don could get me into a caveman outfit singing and dancing!  His love of life was infectious.  

Don was a true mentor to me personally and professionally and I will miss him dearly.  

Steve Smith

Don was a true inspiration to all that met him and was a mentor to many.
One of a kind who will be sadly missed.
My condolences to his family and friends.

David Spencer; Griffith Foods UK

We met in 1984 when he interviewed me for a PD Manager position at Griffith. Little did I realize how fortunate I was to join such a great company and collaborate with talents such as Don. He taught and mentored, ensured customers were front and center and always believed challenges were opportunities to learn even more. Sympathy to May, Paul and Cindy at this time of deep sorrow.  (Picture taken December 2017 at my retirement celebration)

With Don and Belinda after lunch at Francesca's.

I was very fortunate to have had the honor of working with Don for over 20 years at Griffith R&D.  Don was like a father to me.  He was funny, creative, kind, humble and very generous with sharing his knowledge and time.  He was the genius behind the McNuggets coatings, a product we both were passionate about. 
Don was the best work and travel buddy, never a dull moment whether in the lab or at production plants.  He loved wine, Italian food, ice cream and Waffle House.
Thank you Don for all the wonderful memories.  Not only did you make great products, you made it fun to work at Griffith! I am forever grateful for the support and guidance that you willingly provided me through the years.  
May you rest in peace.
Edna Haverkos

I worked with Don for many years at Griffith and he is still one of my most favorite people.  He taught me to think differently and was a true mentor.  It was always entertaining to travel on work trips with him.  He was an amazing soul that touched so many peoples lives.  We are all better to have known him and learned from him.  He will remembered forever! What a legacy he leaves behind!

Don built an epically quirky off-off Broadway theatre community which I am thankful and proud to have been a part of. And his playful script writing has been an inspiration to me.

We will remember Don with much affection & a profound gratitude. For his infinite lessons & his love for our brand impacted our lives. Such care & passion came through his research, his strive for excellence in our products & yet, even more so, in his friendship. 

Don was always present, an incomparable & invaluable support to the development, growth & international expansion of Pollo Campero. To all of us that have had a close relationship with Don… We feel as if we lost a member of the Campero Family & will remember his legacy in our hearts.

Rest in peace dear friend.

Pollo Campero, Campero USA, Pollo Campero International, CMI Foods

Don was an amazing Director and Producer for many Clowning shows as well as Dinner Theater.  I enjoyed working with Don for so many years.  He always had so much energy and really enjoyed entertaining and feeding people!  He will be missed.

Thank you very much, Don, for the great memories. You are a truly generous person who blessed everyone around you. I am lucky to have been part of the fun times of Crescendo Park Dinner Theater, with your goofy scripts, delicious food and the enriching harmonious music. Some of my best memories are of the dinner theater shows in which I had the privilege to take part. -Sonia Reppe

Celebrating 60 years of employment at Griffith Foods.

Don was always willing to learn and teach.

Don will always have a special place in my heart and I am lucky I was able to work beside him for 26 years. He made learning food science fun and always embraced the challenging projects with excitement and as a team effort. He was my mentor and rock at work and I will reflect on all the joyous memories.  With sympathy, Belinda

Dear Don,

You have left quite a legacy at work and have also impacted so many lives with your brilliant mind and mentorship.  I enjoyed vey much your sense of humour, wittiness, generosity and treasure the time that you spent and taught me so much. 

Praying for your family for comfort from God in this difficult time of grief and mourning. 

You will be greatly missed, but fondly remembered.

Leticia

Don and a few other friends brought me to learn GSN, The product from Heaven.  He taught us many things but this product brought me closer to learn about him and how to see the colorful life in a cheerful manner.  
Enjoy your retirement in heaven with the angels with the product you ever developed , Don.  Your legacy be remembered.

I had the honour and privelege of working with Don at Griffith. A wonderful, caring man, who readily shared his vast knowledge, experience, talent, and innovative thinking with anyone who asked, at any time.
Don had a marvelous sense of humour and I always took enormous pleasure in his visits to Asia and am eternally grateful for the knowlege and precious memories he has given me. Sleep with the Angels Don. Rest in Peace

I worked for Don as his Administrative Assistant for 18 years at Griffith.  We had a lot of laughs especially when trying to figure out all the shorthand I took and his lengthly emails I typed for him.   He was by far, the best boss I had during my career at Griffith.  He was a special man and very family oriented.  He will truly be missed.  May he rest in peace.  

Diane Nedved

I am heatbroken to hear this news.
I  had the honour of working with Don as he shared his knowledge of  the Iconic Chicken McNugget with our Global colleagues.
His creativity, mentorship, kindness and friendship will be missed. He  has left a lasting legacy.
My deepest Sympathy to  family and friends.

Barb

I hit the Jack Pot when Don hired me in 1986.  I didn’t realize then. that I would have the good fortune to work with him for 35 years. He was  a boss, mentor, great friend, super hero, protector, confidant and one of the smartest, funniest people I have ever met. He loved learning and generously sharing his vast knowledge with others.  I told my husband early on, that I wasn’t sure I wanted to work at Griffith when Don eventually retired and lucky for me-I never had to.  I will never forget him. 
My deepest condolences to May, Paul  and the entire family.

Although I only worked with Don for the last few years of his career I am richer for the experience!  He lived life with enthusiasm and his professional life was a true avocation.  I’ll remember him for years to come.  Rest in peace and thank-you for all you brought to us!

Training with the Costa Rica and Colombia's R&D team. Medellin, Colombia 2011

I had the privilege of learn a lot from Don. He always had the time to teach, explain and help. He was a mentor for me. I'll always remember our conversations  when I had the opportunity to visit Alsip and his sincere interest in helping us achieve our projects for Costa Rica. He enjoyed the italian food, wine and story. He was the best example of dedication and passion for the food science!   
Arrivederci e grazie Don!

We pray that in this time of loss, you’ll feel God's love much more.
And that you'll find your comfort. In the presence of the Lord
We pray God pours upon you. His sweet, amazing grace
And overflow your heart with peace.
As you live in His embrace.

Your friend and colleague
Giovanni Roverssi- Ex Griffith Costa Rica- Ex Campero Restaurant Guatemala.

I have great memories of Don performing in musicals and cooking in the kitchen! Hugs and prayers for Cindy, Paul & May. Your love for Don was always evident especially in your loving care these past few years. 💕

Sincere condolences to Don’s family and friends on his passing.  I had the privilege of working with Don during my career at Griffith Labs and have fond memories of those days.  

As a member of the Mullins family, I also know that Don was held in high esteem by my family, especially by my Dad, Jack Mullins.  In his book, “A Family Affair - the History of Mullins Food Products,” he wrote this about Don.

“Up to now, I know it seems that I developed all of the sauces by myself, but I had full access to Griffith Laboratories Product Development all throughout the 1970s, headed by Don Bernacchi.  

During his many years at Griffith Labs, Bernacchi has developed products and recipes for every phase of the food industry - from white tablecloth restaurants to fast food chains and manufacturers.  His name is the benchmark for the food business, and I was fortunate to work with him on a number of projects.”

Don and that big smile of his will be sorely missed.  May he rest in peace.

Don was an amazing mentor, always ready to teach you and share his knowledge. He was an absolutely wonderful colleague and a role model. I am truly honored that I have had the opportunity to work with Don and learn from him. I will deeply miss his visits to Canada. His legacy will always be an inspiration to many. My sincerest condolences to the entire family and friends. Rest in peace Don.

My condolences to May, Paul, Cindy and the entire family on the loss of Don. 

My fondest memories are when I was a young girl I would go to St. Williams Sunday mass and see Don and May in the choir singing their hearts out.   It was obvious to everyone Don’s strong faith and his love for May.  Years later, I was moved to see them at my wedding ceremony at St. Williams as the parent’s of our best man, Paul.

I worked with Don at Griffith years ago. One of the brightest in the food industry. I leaned so much from Don!  Peace to his entire family. 
Judy (Mullins) Lucas

Our sincere condolences and prayers to May, Paul, Cindy, and the entire Bernacchi Family.  

A life well lived and full of activity. Don was a friend to all and a relentless worker. Gave freely to his church (St Williams) and friends. My fondest memories are his love for family & friends, ease in leadership, and always asked how are you doing.  We’ll all miss Don’s wit, wisdom, and smile. 

RIP Don!    Godspeed

I gave Don the nickname the Wizard because he was so creative it seemed like he created formulas out of thin air. I learned so much from him about ingredients which helped to manufacture the recipes on a production scale. On a separate note he loved playing volleyball after work and always wanted to be set up for a spike. 
Wizard you were the G.O.A.T.

I had the fortune of meeting Don 26 years ago.  I can say he was a coach, a teacher and a friend.  He was always happy to help even in the most complex professional situations.  With a simple phone call, he would jump in a plane and travel half the world to assist.   I will always be grateful for the knowledge and the joy of life he left as a legacy for our teams in Costa Rica, Colombia and Brazil.
May Don rest in the peace of the Lord.

Meet Don some 45 years ago in Corporate Griffith’s R&D . 
Great person, great friend and great mentor!!
I’ll always remember him as a CREATIVE and extraordinary person to work with, somebody I learned a lot from  !!
May God bless him and his family forever❤️🙏
Heavens must be celebrating Don’s arrival. 
Have a safe trip my dear friend 😥😥
Jorge Junco.

Really sad hearing the news! I had an opportunity being mentored by Don for more than 10 years. Never forget his creativity, sense of humor, and willingness to bring everyone around him together.  Rest in peace, Don. Miss you!  Yanling

So sad to hear this news.  Don was a great mentor and friend to so many people.  I for one will miss his sense of humour and our dinners together during his visits to Toronto!  My heart goes out to all his family and friends.

Don was an amazing person and a big presence in our lives for as long as I can remember. So many great memories to be treasured going all the way back to when we were kids -- watching and cheering on the softball and volleyball games, laughing and sharing stories at holiday picnics at Reese Park and Randall Oaks, amazing Halloween costumes and parties, fun at Fish Lake, attending the Crescendo Players productions and spectacular dinners -- Don did it all, from producing and performing to cooking the food. We’ll never know where he got all of that energy?

As we got older Don remained a presence. Dan and I will always remember Don and May hosting the rehearsal dinner for our wedding at P.B.s Pasta. What better way to start a new chapter than with great food and great family and friends. And Don was always interested in where we had traveled and ready to swap great travel stories.

Don, May, my Dad, and all of the friends in their group have been an inspiration for us in displaying what true and enduring friendship means over decades -- his legacy will live on in the friendships we too have forged following in the great example they set on what is important in life.

Don was a one in a million person, always ready with a joke and a smile, and he will be deeply missed, but his memory will live on in our hearts forever.


Lisa & Dan Clark

Don was both a scientist and an artist, interweaving food science principles with creative flare to patent so many unique products and processes.  A very inquisitive mind, ready and willing to share with those eager to learn. His kindness and hospitality shone for all to see. 
My deepest sympathy to family and friends.  Rest in peace Don. Your friend, Joachim

Don was a wonderful friend to me and many others.  We had many good times.  The world has lost someone very special

Don training Mexico's R&D team in 2014. Thank you Don, you made us better, as you did to many others.

Don with the Mexico R&D team in 2014. 
 A full life, a time well spent, touching so many people with his knowledge and his joy.

My deepest sympathies to the Bernacchi family. I worked with Don for 17 of his 60 years at Griffith and he always kept things spirited and fun. His creativity, resilience and kindness will always be remembered. Cherish all the great memories.
Sincerely,
Wilf Costello

Few people I met have inspired me more than Don Bernacchi... 
His family emigrated from the Garfagnana, a beautiful region in Tuscany, Italy. His upbringing with a love for food science and his constant intellectual interest even later in life were very special and unique. His sense of humor and pragmatic approach to life were contagious.
I remember my first encounter with him. His legend preceded him and made me kind of prudent in my approach. I decided to address him in Italian. I will never forget his answer: "Who the heck are you, kid?"  Everyone was a kid to him!! When I explained that I spent 30 years close to the very region his family came from, he allowed me to address him in Italian and answered in Italian. This created a special bond and although my interactions with him were rare and sparse, I remember each of them as stand stand-alone gem. I'm honored to have had an opportunity to call him my colleague at Griffith Foods!!

I had the honor of meeting Don in 1985 during one of his Fast Food schools. He was an outstanding teacher and mentor.

Took him up hiking once in Monterrey, he was like a young kid walking up the trail remembering the first time he saw a mountain. Happy memories.

We can only aspire to such a legacy. What a life. Our deepest condolences.

I feel honoured to have know & worked with Don.
He taught me so much & we always referred to him as " The Master "
I have files of information passed on by Don over my 33 years with Griffith.
We all looked forward to his visits to the UK.
It is a while since we met in person but he will never be forgotten.
A remarkable man.
My thoughts are with you all.
Kindest regards,
Jane ( Jane Donegani. QC Manager, Griffith UK )

my sincere condolences from Griffith Spain . It's a big loss and I'll take 
with me my best memories of him during their visits in Spai, Big teacher and big person. His love for Griffith has been an example for all of us. 
always in my heart and big kiss to him.
Rest in peace Don.
Maria Rosa Mestre
Griffith Spain

Don was a wonderful and generous gentleman who was blessed with a talent for singing, dancing and directing entertainment productions. He had many fans of his work at St. William Parish's fundraiser "Clowning At the Corners" and  with his performance troupe "Crescendo Park Ensemble "  Don touched many lives on the stage and off and he will be missed by all who knew him. Condolences to his family, friends and fans.

The GSN_Keystone conference in China Aug 22nd, 2011
He is my teacher, coach, role model. I like the way he can talk technical thing to be more fun. 
May Don rest in peace.

Warm regards,
Ann

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Donald Bernacchi

1 mai 1934 – 19 novembre 2023

Montclair-Lucania Funeral Home

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