Carl A. "Skip" Bertoch

1926 - 2017

Bertoch, Carl A. "Skip" July 12, 1926 – Feb 28, 2017
On February 28th we lost a passionate patriot, paratrooper and patriarch that valued family. A well-traveled man of integrity and humor, Skip defined the entrepreneurial spirit who enjoyed golf, tennis, model trains, and an extensive line of boats, cars and especially convertibles.
Born in Sandusky, Ohio where he was raised by his Grandparents, Emma and Charles Bertoch, Skip completed 20 years of military service between Active Duty and Reserves. He was a WWII Army Veteran 1944-1947, where in the Pacific region, he joined the original Special Forces unit known as the Alamo Scouts. Upon discharge, he joined the Marine Corps Reserves and enrolled at Ohio State University. As the only non-Italian brother in the Alpha Phi Delta fraternity, red sauce and rigatoni became gastro favorites. He was activated for the Korean Conflict from 1950–1951 and fought at the Chosin Reservoir where his unit suffered heavy casualties and he was wounded earning him a Combat Commendation Ribbon and a Purple Heart. Following his service, he returned to Ohio State University, earning his law degree and joining the Ohio Bar.
His 50-year career in the practice of law started with the State of Ohio, but his work with the Division of Securities regulating land sales set the course for his focus on compliance law with regard to federal, state and local regulations.
His career broadened with the State of Florida in 1964, as the Executive Director of the Florida Installment Land Sales Board. In 1968 he joined the Florida Bar and established his first private- practice law firm in Tampa.
In 1969 he founded the National Land Council, an organization comprised of state regulators, land developers and attorneys representing both parties to facilitate discussion on the issues affecting the land development industry.
In 1976 he opened an office in Tallahassee, and after relocating to Crystal River in 1981, he opened a second office until retiring in 2008. He was a member of the Chosin Few Organization, Special Forces Chapter 74, Marine Corps D-2-1, MOPH Aaron A. Weaver Chapter 776.
We lost the B.O.S.S. (family story)
Bertoch Organization of Stinger Sippers
Skip is predeceased by 3 sons, Gregory, Patrick (Jeanette) and Daniel (Kay), and is survived by loving wife Sarah, children, Jay, Carl Jr. (Lucy), Martin (Diana), Christopher (Alex) and Melissa, stepson Vince (Marilyn), sister Barbara (Dan) and several grandchildren, great grandchildren and a great, great grandchild.
Military honors service for the family will be at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell. Celebration of Life to be held on March 18, 2017, 1-3pm, in the Sabal Ballroom at the Plantation Inn, Crystal River FL.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Military Order of the Purple Heart, Aaron A. Weaver Chapter 776. Strickland Funeral Home and Crematory of Crystal River assisted the family with arrangements.