Bernard "Bernie" Hurley, the city of Wheaton's favorite Leprechaun, at 100 years of age, passed away at his self-built home on August 29th, 2023.

Born May 15th 1923, in Providence, Rhode Island, Bernard was the oldest of 3 brothers, who spent much of his youth playing football, hockey, playing drums, and earning his education.

He served with the distinguished US Third Army during World War II, as a Private First Class, Company B, 188th Combat Engineer Battalion led by General George S. Patton. After returning home, he attended the University of Illinois Champaign on the G.l. bill and subsequently began teaching at the University of Chicago's Laboratory School.

Upon graduating, the always jovial Bernard, began his teaching career in Wheaton Schools in 1953 at Hawthorne Elementary School.

He retired in 1984 and recently celebrated his 100th birthday with current students singing "Happy Birthday" to him in the gym named after him in his honor.

Known by many as Coach Hurley or simply just "Bernie", he was consistently the life of the party within Wheaton and surrounding communities, known both through his charity work and notable Leprechaun outfit appearances at every St. Patrick's Day Parade for Chicago and the Wheaton Parades.

A true civic-minded person, he was a founding member of the Illinois Prairie Path Organization, a long-standing member of the Wheaton Historical Organization, as well as a founding member of DuPage Credit Union and former board member. He frequently served on various committees at Wheaton City Hall, and of course, was an avid square dancer, seen dancing as recently as two weeks ago at his granddaughter's wedding celebration.

A deeply beloved member of St. Michael Catholic Church, Bernie is honored through his beloved late wife Eileen and six children; Bernard and spouse Josi, Kevin, John (Jack), Tom, Mary-Patricia "Punkin" and spouse Jonathan Bem, Michael, as well as his eight grandchildren, Catherine, Carleigh, Connor, Jon Ryan, Steven, Kati, Daniel, Kara, and great granddaughter Elise.

Mr. Bernard Hurley will be honored with a wake at Hultgren Funeral Home on Thursday September 7th, 2023, from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM, located at 304 North Main Street, Wheaton, IL, 60187

A Celebration of Life Mass service will be held the following day on Friday September 8th, 2023, at 11:30 AM at St. Michael Catholic Church in Wheaton, Illinois, located at 310 S. Wheaton Ave.