Jerry Vainisi Obituary

Jerry Vainisi was an American businessman and football executive. When the Chicago Bears won Super Bowl XX, he was the general manager and executive vice president of the National Football League (NFL).

Jerry Vainisi passed away on Tuesday, October 4, 2022, in Oak Park, Illinois at the age of 80, according to the Chicago Bears. His cause of death has not been disclosed.

Vainisi was the youngest of four children born in Chicago, Illinois to Anthony and Marie Vainisi. Jack Vainisi was his eldest brother. Jerry Vainisi is survived by his good friend Doris, five children, and 14 grandchildren.

Following his retirement from football, Vainisi joined Hinshaw & Culbertson’s sports and entertainment law division in Chicago and purchased Forest Park Bank before becoming chairman and CEO.

Current Bears president and CEO Ted Phillips released a statement saying “I will always appreciate the few years I spent with Jerry and am forever grateful for his decision to hire me as the Bears controller in 1983, which started my 40-year career with the Bears,” “My thoughts and prayers are with him and his entire family.”