William E. Bertrando

In Loving Memory of William (Bill) Edward Bertrando

Bill Bertrando, age 86, passed away peacefully at home in Thornton, PA on July 17, 2024.  Born in Wilmington, Delaware, he was the son of the late William J. and Catherine Bertrando and brother of Robert and Thomas Bertrando.  He was predeceased by his wife of sixty-one years, Barbara Jones Bertrando.  She passed away a little over a year ago and he was lost without her.  

Bill graduated from Kennett High School and served in the US Army from 1960 to 1962.  He completed his training in the Fort Gordon Signal Training Center, in Augusta, GA, to become a teletype.  He served in the 4th Missile Battalion 7th Artillery at Bergstrom Air Force Base, in Austin, TX.  He received both sharpshooter and good conduct medals.

It was while serving in the Army that his friend introduced him to Barbara.  It was a blind date and Bill said it was love at first sight.  They were married six months later on May 12, 1962 at St. Patrick’s Church, in Kennett Square, PA.  For many years, he was the loving caregiver for Barbara, who lived with Multiple Sclerosis most of her adult life.

After returning home from the Army, Bill worked in the family mushroom business, Bertrando Brothers, in Toughkenamon, PA.  He enjoyed working with his father, brother, uncles, and cousins.  Later in life, he worked at Everfast, in Kennett Square and retired in 2003.

Bill was an avid reader and loved following current affairs and the financial markets.  After retirement, he and Barbara helped raise their two grandsons.  Their grandsons were everything to Bill and Barbara.

Family was important to Bill.  Upon his father’s death, he and Barbara moved into the Toughkenamon family home his grandfather purchased in 1919.  His father and siblings grew up in this house, as did Bill and his siblings.

Bill is survived by his daughter, Cindy Bertrando and her husband, Bob Williams of Thornton, PA; his son, Jeff Bertrando of Washington, DC, and his grandsons, Nicholas and Cory Bertrando Williams.  Bill will be dearly missed for his humor, wisdom, and compassion.  May his memory be a blessing to all who knew him. You will be forever in our hearts.

Burial will be private and at the discretion of the family. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

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