Bernard E. Claro, 78, of Gillespie, IL formerly of East St. Louis, IL died Saturday, August 15, 2009 at Jefferson Barracks Hospice in St. Louis, MO. Mr. Claro was a veteran of the United States Navy.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Nicholas and Anna Mae Claro (nee Rimmer); six brothers and a sister. He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Jo Ann Claro (nee Eiler); four children, Phillip (Laura) Claro, Toni (John) Taylor, Traci (Brian) Castevens, and Jo Ann Claro (fiance, Justin Probst); three grandchildren, Deanna (Kyle) Lowry, Phillip Claro, and Nicole Semanik; twin great-grandsons, Kaeleb and Kolton Lowry; two brothers and two sisters, Charles (Pauline) Claro of Alabama, William Claro of Gillespie, IL, Levenia Rayborn of Arkansas, and Dolores Bodendieck of New Athens, IL; and other extended family and friends.