Bernard “Bernie” Grandville Fillmore, 91, of Oak Park, succumbed to a long illness on April 22, 2026. A commercial painter by trade, he and his crew painted naval ships (his source of emphysema), tall buildings, as well as homes in his homeland before immigrating with his young family to the U.S. in 1982. He settled in Oak Park to be near other family members and continued his trade, supplementing his income by performing maintenance work at three local churches, including First United Methodist Church of Oak Park. During a very warm 1995, he and his son, Rocco, painted all of Judson Baptist Church. In the 1990s he became a certified Christian counselor for youth at Calvary Memorial Church. He is fondly remembered as someone who unapologetically and enthusiastically rejoiced, “It is well with my soul!”
Bernie was born in 1934 in Wyneburg, South Africa to William and Daphne Fillmore, the oldest of six children. He was preceded in death by his brother Hugh, sister Esme, wife Penelope (Roubarin), son Granville and daughter Carol. He is survived by his sons, Robin and Rocco; his daughter, Cheryl; his brothers, Dudley and William; his sister, Veronica; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation and repast is Friday, May 8 at First United Methodist Church of Oak Park (324 N. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park) at 10 a.m., followed by funeral service at 11 a.m. Interment at Mount Emblem Cemetery in Elmhurst.