On January 26th, 2012, at 11:30 am at Lake Forest Hospital, the world lost one of its brightest stars. After a courageous battle with cancer, Eugene E. Sberna, Geno to all who knew him, left this world to take his place in the heavens.
He was born on June 19th, 1948 in Cleveland Ohio, the son of Carmen and Eva Sberna. He graduated from Carmel high school, and Ohio University. In 1989 he married Susan Kosakowski
In 1971 he joined the family business, the Sberna Insurance Agency. In 1972, he was joined at the agency by his best friend, his brother Cedric, who will be continuing the family tradition of personal service and caring. Within a short time of joining, Geno developed a reputation as a trusted professional in the insurance industry, and a friend you could always rely on for sound advice or a smile that would light up an entire room.
Gene was a member of the Professional Insurance Agents Society, earning his Certified Insurance Counselor designation in 1986. From 1993 to 1997 he served as President for the North Suburban Association of Independent Insurance Agents, and as President for the Professional Independent Insurance Agents of Illinois from 1999-2000. He continued to be active in the association, serving as Chairman of the Board for the American Association of Managing General Agents. During his career, he received numerous awards from a multitude of insurance companies for his outstanding dedication and service to the industry.
As a selfless person, he will be remembered for his ready smile, finding goodness in everyone, and a glass half full mentality. A quick phone call for an insurance question could easily become a long friendly chat. It could make the world seem like a better place when you were with him, or hearing his voice come through your phone.
He is survived by his mother Eva of Lake Forest IL, wife Susan also of Lake Forest Illinois, brother Cedric, (Bonnie Lee) of Libertyville IL, numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and thousands of beloved friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Carmen, in 2008.
A memorial to celebrate his life is being planned for the near future.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Ducks Unlimited, a charity that was close to his heart. Please call 1-800-45-DUCKS for information. Info: Wenban Funeral Home 847.234.0022 or www.wenbanfh.com
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