Harry George Bereckis passed away peacefully on June 23, 2024, at the age of 83. Industrious, hardworking, and with boundless generosity, Harry was a family man and devout Catholic, who loved to help others. Harry was especially talented at car repair, remodeling, and fixing almost anything.  For decades, anytime anyone Harry knew found themselves struggling with a project, a broken-down vehicle, or anything that had gone on the blink, the first thing they would say was: "Better call Harry!"

Harry was born on June 9, 1941, to Harry and Florence Bereckis in Chicago, Illinois, his lifelong home. The oldest of seven children, Harry grew up in a blue-collar home in the hardscrabble neighborhood of Pilsen. Harry learned the importance of family as he and his brothers and sisters all had each other's backs as they made their ways throughout the streets of Pilsen, which was then a Lithuanian and Italian neighborhood. Harry and his brothers and sister played in open fire hydrants, fished in the Chicago River, and worked on cars. Harry was especially close to his brother, Richard ("Richie"), who was 13 months younger than him.

It was in Pilsen where Harry met his lifelong love, Sharlene Anne Bereckis. Both were 16. Harry went to Harrison High School, the public high school, and Sharlene, went to Sacred Heart, the Catholic High School. They lived just blocks apart. Harry, with his pompadour hair and cool greaser style, courted Sharlene, a quiet "good girl," who he said he fell in love with at first sight. Their romance was the defining feature of his life and the two were inseparable. At any party, wedding, or any event where there was music, you could find Harry and Shar swing dancing.

Harry graduated from Harrison High School and worked as a truck driver his entire life, first delivering soda for Burkhardt Beverages, then delivering steel at Ryerson Steel, where he won the company's safety award. Harry was a proud member of Teamster, Local 705. When he was not at work, Harry enjoyed hunting and fishing with a boat that he fixed himself. Harry also breathed new life into dozens of lawnmowers that he then sold to buy parts to fix dozens of more lawnmowers.

Besides Sharlene who he loved deeply, Harry also loved and was extremely proud of his two children, Nancy Yarbrough and Harry Bereckis. Their childhood was filled with fun, much of it provided by their father.  Once, before dawn, Harry made giant rabbit tracks in the snow one cold Easter morning so his children would have proof that the Easter bunny had come to the house. Every Christmas Eve, Harry would make banging noises in the attic so Nancy and Harry would go to sleep because Santa had arrived.

Harry was absolutely thrilled when he became a grandfather, and his grandchildren filled him with endless joy. There was absolutely nothing Harry would not do for his grandchildren. Harry loved making them pancakes with whipped cream smiley faces, playing cards with them, and especially watching them excel at school, sports, and other activities.

Harry is predeceased by his parents, Harry and Florence Bereckis; his brothers, Jerome, Thomas, and Gregory Bereckis; his grandson, Robert "Win" Yarbrough; and his father-in-law, Joseph, and mother-in-law, Eleanore Balesteri. Harry is survived by his beloved wife, Sharlene; his daughter, Nancy, an attorney, and her husband, Robert Yarbrough, owner of a large-scale concession company; his son, Harry Bereckis, a marketing professional, and his wife, Maria, a reading specialist. Additionally, Harry is survived by his grandchildren and great grandchildren, John Yarbrough, a professional football player, and his soon-to-be wife (July 6th wedding), Nicole; Eleanore Yarbrough, a graduate student at George Washington University; Hanna Bereckis, a student at Purdue University; Benjamin Bereckis, a student at Marquette University; Celeste Bayles, a sales professional, her husband John, a non-profit professional, and their son, Graham, four years old. Harry is also survived by his brother, Richard Bereckis, and his wife, Sue; his brother, Joseph Bereckis; and his sister, Rosemary Carney, wife of the late Salvador Beltran. Harry is also survived by Dr. Anthony and Judy Balesteri, his wife's brother and wife. Additionally, Harry was loved by nieces, nephews, other extended family, friends, neighbors, and almost everyone he met.

Visitation is 9 to 10 a.m. on Thursday, June 27, 2024, at Divine Providence Roman Catholic Church at 2550 Mayfair Avenue in Westchester, Illinois 60154. Mass will follow, beginning at 10 a.m.

After Mass concludes, interment will be Queen of Heaven Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mary Mother of Divine Grace Parish in Harry's name.

To share your personal memories of Harry with the family, please visit www.cappetta-dicanio.com .

Information  708 222-T-O-N-Y (8669)  or 708 222-F-R-E-D (3733)