Luigi DiBernardo

Luigi DiBernardo, 80 years of age, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 26, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Born on April 19, 1946 in Palagonia, Sicily to the late Angelo and Febronia (Auteri) DiBernardo, Luigi was one of three children. He was predeceased by his parents, his brother Giuseppe and his sister Antonia.

Luigi emigrated from Sicily to the United States in 1970, determined to build a life and live the American dream. That same year, he married his beloved wife, Bianca (Giuliano), beginning a partnership that would become the foundation of his life.

Together, Luigi and Bianca built Imported Auto Center in 1981 in Glastonbury, Connecticut, starting the business from the ground up and growing it side by side. They were a team in every sense of the word—partners in business, in family, and in life—and remained inseparable throughout their marriage.

In addition to his wife Bianca, Luigi leaves behind his four children: Rona DiBernardo of Ventura, California; Angelo DiBernardo and his wife, Gina, of Glastonbury; Marcella DiChiara and her husband, Joseph, of Franklin, Massachusetts; and Julia Plunkett and her husband, Matthew, of Pepperell, Massachusetts. He was a proud grandfather to Stella and Lucy DiBernardo, Julian and Aida DiChiara and Oliver Plunkett. He also leaves behind his in-laws, Frank and Lucy Giuliano of Florida, Carmen and Linda Giuliano of Florida, Nella Catalano of Sicily, Maria Giuliano of Glastonbury and Sofia Giulano of Wethersfield, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews, and his faithful four-legged sidekick, Nico, his beloved Cavapoo.

Luigi will be remembered for his tenacious work ethic, his unwavering devotion to his family, and his uncanny ability to tinker with and fix nearly anything. If something was broken, Luigi could usually figure out how to make it work again. He took great pride in the life he built, the accomplishments he achieved, and the beautiful home he helped build with his own hands. He was a passionate soccer fan and faithfully followed and cheered for his beloved Inter Milan. He also had a lifelong passion for cars, especially his beloved Fiats, Alfa Romeos, and Maseratis.

Although Luigi made his home in America, a piece of his heart always remained in Italy. He especially treasured the summers he spent in Marina di Ragusa, surrounded by his faithful crew of lifelong friends and enjoying the place he loved so dearly. Above all, Luigi was devoted to his family. His legacy will live on in the family he built, the life he and Bianca created together, and the countless people whose lives he touched along the way.

At the request of the family, there will be no calling hours, and a Celebration of Life Mass will take place on November 14th at 10:00 a.m. at SS. Isidore and Maria at St. Paul Church, 2577 Main Street, Glastonbury. Memorial contributions in Luigi’s honor can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org