CANTON, Ohio — Former Canton Mayor Thomas Bernabei has died at the age of 79, according to a statement from the city.

Bernabei passed away Thursday morning at Aultman Hospital "following a brief illness."

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

Bernabei, a lifelong resident of Stark County, was elected mayor of Canton in 2015 and served two full terms through 2023. In December of 2022, he announced that he would not run for a third term.

"Running city government is a big business (2022 budget, $350 million) which requires full time commitment, work ethic and devoti

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