Elmwood Funeral Chapel & Crematory

Visitation Information

Peter J. Bendinelli, CCFD Deputy Chief

Passed away on March 31, 2025

Peter J. Bendinelli, Deputy Fire Chief for the City of Calumet City Fire Department, passed away at home March 31, 2025, at the age 48.  Beloved wife Lisa (nee Behnke) for 25 years.  Loving father of Mariana and Mia Bendinelli.  Devoted son of James and the late Marianne Bendinelli.  Cherished brother of Cissy Bendinelli and Nicholas (Jessica) Bendinelli.  Dearest son-in-law of Gary and the late Donna Behnke.  Dear brother-in-law of Lori (John) Brunke and Lindsay (Brian) Bullock.  Fond Uncle of Jacob, Mary, Morgan, Ali, Alexis, Audrey, Zoey, Logan, Peyton, and Reese. Loved cousin of many and adored by Chief 3 - Nick Novakovich.

Pete began his fire service career with Burnham Fire Department before joining the Midlothian Fire Department in 1997. In October of 1998, he found his home with the Calumet City Fire Department, where he dedicated himself to serving the community with courage and compassion. Pete earned his Master's degree from Indiana University Northwest as well as his Chief Fire Officer (CFO) certification. His biggest accomplishment in the fire service was receiving the prestigious Executive Fire Officer (EFO) certification from the National Fire Academy in 2023. Equally important to receiving his EFO certification was being recognized as one of only two legacies in the program, an honor he shared with his good friend and fellow graduate Matthew Berk.

Pete enjoyed fishing and was an avid deer hunter spending many early mornings and evenings in the woods. He often took more pride in getting guys set up in good spots and helping field dress their deer than he did getting one himself. His favorite time of year was heading up to Camp Moon with all of his hunting buddies.

While Pete had many accomplishments in the fire service, he will be best known to his family as being the best girl dad and uncle anyone could want. He cherished his daughters and was always proud to share stories of their achievements. He was, and will always be their biggest fan.

Visitation will take place at Faith Church, 100 W. 81st Avenue, Dyer, Indiana Friday, April 4, 2025 from 2-8pm. Funeral Services Saturday, April 5, 2025 at 10am. Cemetery private.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to Camp Quality of Illinois in Peter’s name would be appreciated.  Funeral arrangements entrusted to Elmwood Funeral Chapel, St. John.  (219) 365-3474 www.elmwoodchapel.com

Peter's service can be live-streamed by clicking this link: Memorial | Faith Church

Funeral Service:
Faith Church
100 W. 81st Avenue
Dyer, Indiana 46311
Saturday, April 5, 2025 - 10:00 am

Interment:
Cemetery Private

Memorial Contributions:

In lieu of flowers, memorials to Camp Quality of Illinois in Peter's name would be appreciated.Donate Online to Camp Quality Illinois

Visitation Location

Faith Church
100 W. 81st Avenue
Dyer, Indiana 46311
(219) 864-0300

Visitation Information

Friday, April 4, 2025 - 2:00 pm until 8:00 pm

Condolences
"To Peter’s family – Please accept our most heartfelt Sympathy on the loss of your husband and dad. Peter was one of the good ones, and we are so sorry to hear of his passing. "
- Don and Marge Tomich
April 1, 2025 3:26 pm
"Our hearts go out to all Pete’s family and friends. We are so sorry for your loss. "
- Rich and Marianne Hroma
April 1, 2025 6:21 pm
"Lisa and girls, words cannot express how sorry we are but just you knowing how much we liked and admired your husband and father, a wonderful kind person who we considered our friend and remembering how he enjoyed hunting out here and just in general. The brave firefighters he was an an amazing husband and father. Deepest sympathy and prayers for you all. Mine and Jean Frost 🙏🙏❤️"
- Jean and Mike Frost
April 1, 2025 8:59 pm
"My hearts goes out to all of Pete’s family,friends and all of CCFD. I ann so sorry for your loss. May God be with all of you during this time. "
- Cheryl wheeler
April 2, 2025 3:39 am
"Words cannot adequately express how Karen and I feel about the loss of Pete. He was a great guy, firefighter and friend. His whole family from his dad, mom (RIP), brother, sister and of course his wife and daughters are aces in our book. Rest in Peace, brother. "
- Andrew Horberg
April 2, 2025 11:26 am
"All of us at the Firefighters Association of Munster are grieving the loss of Pete. He was always "on the scene" when needed. Of course, while I'll let those currently in Burnham say their farewells it goes without saying how much I, as the former Chief of BFD, hold the entire Bendinelli family in high regard. You guys are the best and have always been...Rest in peace, Pete. "
- Andrew Horberg, President Firefighters Assoc of Munster, IN
April 2, 2025 11:33 am
"We will always remember Pete. What a great guy! Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May the many memories with him bring you comfort and peace."
- Chris and Ruby Juranich
April 2, 2025 12:45 pm
"I want to express my deepest condolences for the loss of your beloved husband. I remember everything you shared about him and his incredible work as a firefighter over the years. I'm truly grateful for his service in helping during disasters in the USA. I was always amazed by your stories about him when I was younger. Time has flown by, and I still think about you often. If you're interested, I’d love to share some Bible verses from Isaiah 65:17 that might bring you comfort. Your husband was an amazing partner, and I know how much he meant to you and your children. Sometimes I think about reaching out to check on you, as I remember you being such a wonderful teacher to me in middle school. I often mention you and your husband to my daughter's teachers, highlighting how great both of you are. When I saw your post, I couldn't believe the news. It hit me hard, and I had to read it again to make sure it was real. I know you are a strong wife and mother, and I want you to know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Thank you for sharing your important news; I'm here to offer my support if you need it."
- Mario Clopton
April 2, 2025 1:07 pm
"God Bless you Chief, Rest easy,and thank you for your service.Condolences to the entire family and theCalumet City Fire Dept."
- Carl Ostrowski Ret. CFD
April 2, 2025 7:40 pm
"Oh my Jesus. Our little Petey, who was such a wonderful child….kind, respectful, inquisitive, just a terrific child. We watched him grow up and excel in the work of his dad, Jim. We hope his family can take comfort in knowing Pete holds reign with Jesus, most likely holding class in fire fighting. We will miss him greatly. The world needs so many more like him. "
- Paul & Fran Klimek
April 3, 2025 9:16 am
"My deepest condolences to his family. Pete was was a role model. He was the first person in the fire service that said, "You're one of us." I couldn't be where I am without him. I was another paramedic student that passed through the department, but he took time to ask how I was doing and made sure everything I needed to succeed was in place. He went the extra mile. He treated strangers as family. He had compassion for people. He'll be missed, but never forgotten. Thank you for sharing him with the fire service."
- Pat Galvin, IAFF Local 3571
April 4, 2025 9:59 am
"Our thoughts and prayers go out to you, Lisa and your daughters, Mariana and Mia. Pete had a very special place in our hearts. He will be missed."
- Lorraine Dziadon and Elaine Zdunek
April 4, 2025 12:38 pm
"We are thinking of you, Pete’s family, and lift you up in prayer. Sincerely, Candy and Adam Norten"
- Candy and Adam Norten
April 5, 2025 11:37 am
Candles Lit
"We light this candle in memory of Pete, may he rest in peace."
- Chris and Ruby Juranich
April 2, 2025 12:47 pm