Former Canton Mayor Tom Bernabei has died.

Bernabei died at Aultman Hospital following a brief illness, according to a statement from the mayor’s office.

He was 79.

“Bernabei left an impactful legacy on this community for generations to come,” current Mayor William Sherer II said in a statement. “I extend my heartfelt condolences to Lady Bebe, his family, and all throughout Canton who knew him and worked alongside him.”

Bernabei was first elected mayor in 2016 and served two terms, before opting not to seek a third term. Prior to being elected mayor, Bernabei served as a Stark County commissioner from 2010-2015.

According to his bio on the city’s website, Bernabei was a lifelong resident of Stark County. He graduated from Canton Lehman High School and from Brown University in 1968. Be

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