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Christian Brothers High School Catholic University of America Saint Mary's College

JOSEPH BERTAIN Obituary

G. Joseph Bertain Jr.
Surrounded by his family, Joe passed away on November 16, 2012 after a long illness. Although he lived with Alzheimer's for over ten years, Joe faced his illness with the same courage and optimistic spirit with which he lived his life.
Joe was born in Scotia, California, on March 9, 1929, the eldest of ten children of George and Ellen Bertain. Joe graduated from Christian Brothers High School in 1947 and served as Student Body President and played on the Varsity Football team. In 1951, Joe graduated from Saint Mary's College in Moraga, California where he was Student Body President. Joe continued to serve Saint Mary's as a member of the Board of Regents for 20 years.
Joe earned his law degree from The Catholic University of America where he was Editor-in-Chief of The Law Review. Joe was a practicing attorney for over 45 years as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Northern District and in private practice. Joe served the practice of law through his participation in many associations and committees including as Chairman of the Federal Bar Association (San Francisco Chapter) and Saint Thomas More Society of San Francisco. Joe also served as Special Advisor to Governor Reagan and Governor Deukmejian on Judicial Selection and a Member of the Advisory Committee to U. S. Senator S. I. Hayakawa on nomination of U. S. Attorneys and U.S. District Court judges.
Despite a busy legal career, Joe's charitable spirit and community involvement was evidenced by his many activities, including as a member of The Order of Malta, Board of Directors Hanna Boys Center, Little Sisters of the Poor, Rotary Club, The Olympic Club, The Commonwealth Club, and Knights of Columbus.
In 1957, Joe married the love of his life, Bernardine Joy Galli. Joe is survived by his son, Joseph F. Bertain, Joe's wife, Lisa Bertain, and his three beloved grandchildren Christen, Caroline and Robert. Joe is also survived by his brothers Tom, Len and Bill and sisters Eleanor, Rosemary and Collette.
The Rosary will be at McAvoy and O'Hara, Geary Blvd at 10th Ave, S.F., on November 23, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. with visitation starting at 5:30 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be November 24, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Cecelia's Church, Vicente at 17th Ave. in San Francisco. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Order of Malta Clinic of Northern California, 465 California Street #818, SF CA 94104, Alzheimer's Association, or the charity of your choice

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Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Nov. 19 to Nov. 21, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for JOSEPH BERTAIN

20 Entries

joe russoniello

November 14, 2021

A wonderful mentor and a great friend. His generosity and wisdom is sorely missed.

November 26, 2012

Joe & Lisa:

Moira & I just received word of Joe's death and were deeply saddened for your loss but are comforted in the belief that this principled man who served as such a wonderful role model for so many will be joining his beloved Bernadine in Heaven for all eternity.
Rest in Peace, My Dear Friend.

Joe Russoniello

November 26, 2012

Mr. Bertain was very kind to me while I attended SMC with his son Joe. He was very supportive of my decision to enter the legal profession. I value the imput he had when I was making my career choice. I have the upmost respect for him and his family.

Moira Jensen

November 25, 2012

Uncle Joe was a wonderful man, whom is very much loved by everyone who meets him. He has touched all of our lives. Now Uncle Joe you have made the final journey to heaven. We will always Love and miss you, until we all are reunited at heavens gate. Rest in Peace,Uncle Joe.

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Joan Canty Smith

November 23, 2012

Our family spent a week with the Bertain's many summers at their Metropolitan Hotel/Home. After dinner our fathers would argue politics, then the 15 cousins, led by Joe, would start singing. I particularly remember Joe leading everyone in Alouette translating the French by pointing to the correct bone. He seemed to really enjoy life and being around people, frequently with stories to tell.

John Cerruti

November 23, 2012

Uncle Joe was wonderful with children. I remember as a kid he and Bernadine visitng us in San Leandro one sunday afternoon, my GrandparentsLouis & Polly Bertain were in town. I was in the kitchen, and he walked in, sat down with me, and he complimented me on my basketball skills he had witnessed weeks before in San Francisco. I was probably 9 or 10 yrs old. Then he placed his hand firmly on my shoulder, and said "you, John, are a Bertain, and I'd like to take a minute to tell you what that means and how important it is."

Love you Uncle Joe!!!

November 21, 2012

I have fond memories of vacations in Rio Dell with the Cantys and Bertains making a minimum of 19 at the dinner table.
I fondly remember Joe and his brother Dick leading us in song, such as "There's a shanty in the town..." My sister, Patricia Canty Zavadil just wrote to me from Denver saying, "I too have such good memories of Joe as a leader and as one who savored life, enjoyed talking . . . and singing. I wish I could attend the funeral. Patricia"
Barbara Canty Wheeler, Sacramento CA - Joe's 1st cousin

Alisa Bertain Phillips

November 21, 2012

I am honored to call him Uncle Joe, and flooded with wonderful memories of him:

His ability to arrange phone calls from Santa Claus every Christmas for all his nieces and nephews (he knew some powerful people); attending the Notre Dame-USC game every other year in Los Angeles and getting us tickets to the Sunday Breakfast to meet the Notre Dame team; large family gatherings at our Grandparents' home in Humboldt County, with Uncle Joe always giving the perfect toast before the meal.
And of course, all the Saint Mary's games and events wearing the Red & Blue with pride.

We are all better for having him in our lives, and he leaves some very big shoes to fill.

Love to Joe, Lisa, Christen, Caroline and Robert.

Giles Miller

November 20, 2012

Joe was a great man and a great GAEL. He was a dear friend to the Miller Family. May he rest in the peace.

Louis Bertain 111

November 20, 2012

May your next journey be as wonderful as the one you have shared with us.

Carolina Parrales

November 20, 2012

A wonderful Gentleman, lovely husband, and father. My mom Romelia Bernal, had the opportunity to work for his wife and him and remembers both of them with love... May your soul rest now in the peace of our Lord.

Renee Pizzo

November 19, 2012

Joe was my second cousin, also. He was a wonderful man! He will be missed.

Judith Garvey

November 19, 2012

I enjoyed working for Joe in the 1980's at the law office and sitting with him at Rotary Club functions. He was a decent man who was very valuable to the legal profession as well as charitable endeavors. Judith Garvey, Assistant District Attorney

Mary Whalen (Allen)

November 19, 2012

Uncle Joe you will be missed. Love you

Leota Lovelace

November 19, 2012

What a privilege to have shared an Era with such a wonderful person. Thanks Joe,

Mrs. Gary Lovelace (Leota)

Doug and Anita Bertain

November 19, 2012

Joe was my second cousin and an inspiring example of how one can contribute to his family and community. We will miss him and try to emulate his citizenship and love for his family and country.