Christopher Jay Bertalan

MILFORD, Pa. - Christopher Jay Bertalan, 64, passed away Thursday, March 13, 2014, after a short illness, at the James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Veterans Hospital, Bronx, N.Y.

Chris was born Sept. 26, 1949, in Franklin to Joseph Charles "Chuck"� and Joan Burd Bertalan. He grew up in Ogdensburg and graduated from Franklin High School in 1967. He served in the U.S. Army, E Company, 2nd Battalion Recon., 101st Airborne during the Vietnam War, earning a Purple Heart and Bronze Star.

Chris went on to work at the Sussex County Battery Station and also was a police officer and member of the color guard in the American Legion, and the VFW in Ogdensburg. He was an accomplished carpenter and mechanic and loved tinkering on his old 1947 Mercury. He also enjoyed working around his house, and helping his mother around her house as well. He loved making her laugh and always had a ready smile and a great sense of humor.

He was preceded in death by his father, Chuck, in 2008. He is survived by his beloved mother, Joan, of Ogdensburg; his bride of two weeks and longtime companion, Donna (Mituzas), of Milford, Pa.; his devoted sons, Jason Christopher Bertalan, of Lake Ariel, Pa., and Clint Aaron Bertalan, of Sparta, and their mother, Michelle Leduc; his brother, Joseph Bertalan and his wife, Penny, of Dingmans Ferry, Pa., and their children Abigail and Joseph; his sister, Candace Horner and her husband, Michael, of Oak Ridge, and their children Chad and Tyler; his sister, Jeanne Ann Daubner and her husband, Matt, of Ogdensburg, and their daughters Kathryn, Halle and Sophie; and his granddaughter, Juliette, of Charlotte, N.C.

To honor Christopher's wishes, please join us for a celebration of his life, which will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, March 22, at the Walden Village Clubhouse, 1 Rolling Brook Way, Hamburg (off Route 94 turn on Wits End Drive, the entrance road to the YMCA). Chris' family will be there to share stories, love and memories. Please feel free to join us.