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Bret Sbarbaro Obituary

Sbarbaro, Bret Anthony

Bret Anthony Sbarbaro, 62 of Norridge, IL, joined our Heavenly Father unexpectedly on Feb 18, 2021.Bret is survived by his beloved fiance Christine A. Murphy, two daughters Coral Berry (Steve) and Tracy Wallner (Jared), four grandchildren Eliana Leon, Noah Berry, Rebekah Berry, and Jayce Wallner, both parents Ronald and Carole (nee Kloeckner) Sbarbaro, three brothers Ronald Sbarbaro (Liz), Steve Sbarbaro (Jenny), and Jeff Sbarbaro (Pam), four nephews Matthew Sbarbaro, Scott Sbarbaro, Robert Martin, and Stevie Sbarbaro, three nieces Susie Henson (Patrick), Samantha Martin, and Alexis Sbarbaro, as well as cousins, aunts, and uncles. Bret was the second son of four born to Ron and Carole. Bret and his brothers were very close, always making sure to stay in contact despite living in different states. Bret was always a comedian, even from an early age. He was a goofball who's biggest joy was making the people around him smile. He was the absolute best at telling dad jokes, so much so that the term may have originated from him. His entertaining ways led him to perform magic and rock on his guitar. He seemed to be talented in anything he pursued. At Ridgewood High School, he excelled in wrestling and even broke a few records. After school Bret joined the Navy and traveled around the world. In the Navy, Bret was trained in maintenance which he used throughout the rest of his life working for many years at Automatic Appliance. Bret left the Navy and settled back into the Chicago area where he met Kay. Bret and Kay were married and had two beautiful daughters. Bret spent his later years taking pictures, fishing, and spending time with family and with his fiance of 28 years Chrissy.

To know Bret was to love him. He had the biggest heart and it was a heart of gold. He will be missed beyond measure. No service is being held at this time.

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Published by Chicago Sun-Times from Feb. 23 to Feb. 25, 2021.
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Memories and Condolences
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Brett is on my short list of people who impacted my life in good ways. The emediate effects of sorrow and loss inevitable fade with time. But the sense of good fortune for having shared our brief lives with the likes of him are the essence of any meaning in our existence. I have spoken of him often as my children grew to adulthood. Sharing real experiences with Brett that are often admittedly hard to believe. I still mention him often and I suppose I likely will until I'm gone myself. I can only hope my own passing will be accompanied by the same fondness of memory as thoughts of Bretts life fuels in those who knew him.

Rick Gilmore

Friend

February 17, 2022

Bret was my very good friend from the Navy. We spent 3 adventurous years together exploring Spain and Europe, not to mention several cruises on aircraft carriers as flight deck troubleshooters. Bret, Mr. Conehead, was a very special person and I will always remember him. The world is now a lesser place without him.

Steve Hopkins

July 27, 2021

Just found out, so sorry to hear. Bret was a goofball and a great guy. Some things he did were awsome, I was always laughing , he was cool .
GOD SPEED BRO ! Your in good company now . Here one for you !

Gary Malina

Son

May 10, 2021

Although I never me Bret, I know one thing about him for sure. And that is tha he loved my best friend and little sissy Chrissy with all of his heart. And I know that that love was equal and endured through 28 wonderful years. I will forever be thankful that Chrissy had Bret in her life to keep her happy. Chrissy. I know you are going to feel sad, lost and alone without Bret. But you should know that everything happens for a reason. We my not know what God has planned for us, but one day we will all be together again and we will find out what that plan is. For now, just know that he is in good hands, and will be there waiting for you to someday join him. Hopefully not real soon. I love you Chrissy. Thank you Bret for loving my friend.

Terri Napoli

Friend

March 14, 2021

Bret, may you rest in peace with our heavenly father. My condolences to Christine, Bret will be missed by many.

Dennis Shallbetter

Friend

February 28, 2021

Bret and I shared a common friend in Bill Wilson. I met Bret when he was quite ill. I then watched him heal up and take on a new roll as a mentor who always had his hand out to help somebody in need. I will miss him dearly. His sense of humor was dry so one had to keep their toes when he spoke...there was often a zinger in there if you listened. He often did word play with names and he'd always call me "The Great Randini". His spirit will live on with us.

Randy Johnson

Friend

February 25, 2021

My condolences to Christine, Brets' family. I have known Bret for quite a few years, and he was certainly a great guy. He will be missed by many.

Michael Sharp

Friend

February 25, 2021

When I got into work today, I was informed that Bret had passed away. I was like what ?? Such a shock. Memories of him popped into my head. He was a joy to work with. What a good guy. Gone way too soon. You never know what you have until it is gone. My condolences to Chrissy and his family, he will be sorely missed.

Mary - AAP

Mary

Coworker

February 25, 2021

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. May we all follow in your footsteps to the after life!

Kevin Petrick

Classmate

February 25, 2021

My Very Deepest Sympathy for the family of Bret and his beloved fiancé.

I knew Bret in my teens and he was always a jokester kept ppl laughing and smiling.

May Bret Rest In Peace

Old friend

Friend

February 25, 2021

The Automatic Appliance Parts team is deeply saddened to hear of Bret's passing. We had the joy of spending years in Bret's company and for much of it, joy was the best description. A happy, friendly, helpful man that never failed to make people smile. Our sincere condolences to Chrissy & the entire Sbarbaro family.

Automatic Appliance Parts

Friend

February 25, 2021

We were saddened to hear this news. We have many fond memories of Bret and the Sbarbaro family while living in Norridge. May God bless your family in this time of sorrow.
In sympathy and love,
The Hrycko family

Marianne Swanson

Neighbor

February 24, 2021

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Lance Jacobson

Friend

February 24, 2021

Bret, I didn't know you well, but you were the definition of gratitude. If I met you 3 or 4 dozen times that's 40 or 50 times I smiled or laughed. I hope I'm half as loved as you were.

Matt Weber

Friend

February 24, 2021

Carol, Ron & Family, I'm so sorry to hear about Bret, I remember sitting in your living room talking with Bret, he had such a great sense of humor and I enjoyed talking with him and him making us laugh. My condolences to the family, God bless all of you and remember Bret is in the Lords arms now, he's at peace.

Judy McGough

February 24, 2021

I am sure Bret had no idea how profoundly he impacted my life. I have known him for many years, though I ran into him infrequently. I love his sense of humor. One of a kind, for sure. Godspeed, brother, I hope to see you again, some Sunday night at 7pm.

Matt Westfallen

Friend

February 24, 2021

My heart breaks for you Chrissy. Brett will be missed at all our family occasions.

Maureen Hunt

Friend

February 24, 2021

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Louise Petsico

Friend

February 23, 2021

Chrissy, I am so sorry for your loss Bret was such a good person. I will pray for you and his Family at this very sad time. God Bless you all

jamie a sarti

Friend

February 23, 2021

A man such as Bret, as rare as he was leaves a very difficult for anyone trying to paint a picture of him that accurately , thoroughly and respectfully describes him. From my own perspective as an old friend who shared time with him in the navy my impressions were wide ranging , all good, unforgettable and singularly unique. Among others who shared his company while stationed in Rota Spain and on debts aboard carriers he is universally remembered as a legendary character. Not only his music, magic, humor and practical jokes but his deeply genuine humanity and never hesitating compassion were qualities that he deployed during moments of joy and administered as medicine when he thought one of his shipmates spirits needed a lift. Surely we will all miss his infectious humor and his endless list of talents. But mostly I will miss his genuine, unflappable, immeasurable kindness.

Rick Gilmore

Served In Military Together

February 23, 2021

Bret was a gentle soul. He was a caring and good man. Our most heartfelt sympathies to his family. Hopefully warm and cherished memories will ease the heartache of his loss
Joan and Kurt Kloeckner

Joan Kloeckner

Family

February 23, 2021

We will always remember his smile, his kind nature and heart. His laugh , his magic tricks , and how he was quick to laugh, even with the problems over the past years he cared about everyone else without complaint. We honestly can not believe he has been taken from all of us so soon

Robert Kathy Kloeckner

February 23, 2021

RIP Bret you will be missed
Leo & Terri

Leo Back

Friend

February 23, 2021

I’m going to miss you Bret. You always knew how to make me smile and laugh. Please watch over us and keep us safe. Love you!

Tony Persico Jr.

Friend

February 23, 2021

My sincere condolences to Bret's family and friends. He had a great spirit. I'm glad to have known him.

Felice M Patti

Acquaintance

February 23, 2021

Brett... to know him is to love him. He was full of love and warmth for all . He loved his family and always felt sooo proud of his two daughters and their accomplishments. He felt that he could not believe how he deserved having such wonderful loving children. So proud of his grandchildren. So loved his fiancée Chrissy. He was the devoted son and brother that would lay his life for his family. His infectious smile and love for people and nature will not be forgotten ... he is now in heaven with the angels....and he is now an angel to all of us on earth . Jeanette Rosseland, friend

Jeanette

Friend

February 23, 2021

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and Brett today and always.

Ciro and Robin

Neighbor

February 23, 2021

Dear Aunt Carol, Uncle Ron, Ron, Steve and Jeff,
I'm very sorry for your loss. If there anything I can do please don't hesitate to ask. 630-201-6354. May Bret rest in peace...

Jimmy White

Family

February 22, 2021

The Greatest, Funniest,Coolest Friend to me since grade school.
It has been a Honor to be a part of your life as you in mine.
As we are sad to lose you, Heaven is smiling to have such a wonderful spirit come home.
I Love You Brother
See you on the other side.

Tony Persico

Friend

February 22, 2021

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