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BORN
1920
DIED
2023
John Bertram Obituary
Born in Altoona, Pa., on November 11, 1920, to Chalmer and Elsie Ross Bertram, he was the youngest of three sons. An Eagle Scout, he also excelled at baseball, tennis, and golf. In World War II he piloted a "Flying Fortress" B-17 Heavy Bomber and with his crew, flew 35 missions over Nazi occupied Europe, including two missions on D-Day. After the war Jack married Alma Bock.
Together they had five children. Retiring from a 42 year career with NCR Corp, they moved to Central Florida where, tragically, Alma soon passed away. In 1996 he moved to Madison, Va., where he met June Oakley. They married in 1999 and spent 23 years traveling and enjoying frequent visits of family and friends.
Jack leaves behind June Oakley, and his five children, Jack (Susan) of Atlanta, Ga., Linda of Charlottesville, Jim (Daniele) of Cambridge, Mass., Bob (Peggy) of Lovingston, Va., and Barbara (Scott) of Manchester, Vt. He leaves six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Active and engaged until his last hours, he is remembered for his love of family, lasting friendships, sense of humor, and Bridge acumen. Jack will join his wife Alma in Medfield, Mass. in a private ceremony. Donations can be made to Hospice of the Piedmont, 675 Peter Jefferson Parkway, Suite 300, Charlottesville, VA 22911, www.hopva.org.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Bertram
6 Entries
Kay Cheesbrough Ruekberg
December 1, 2024
To the Bertram kids - I was just thinking about your dad today and when I looked him up I was sorry to hear that he passed last year. Such fun times our families had and "the church group" provided lots of laughs and fierce volleyball games. I got to have lunch with your dad around 2010 when we lived in North Carolina. It was such a nice visit and I fondly remember being able to come stay with your family some weekends while at UMass. So glad he lived life to the fullest for so many years.
Patrick
January 25, 2023
I was very fortunate to briefly speak to Jack (via email) near his birthday in November. I am a distant cousin of Jack's on my mother's side, and we have shared Bertram ancestors from Cambria County in Pennsylvania that immigrated from Germany in the 1800s.
I'd just learned about Jack's branch of the tree and am so lucky to have had a brief communication with him - I introduced myself and thanked him for his heroic service. His story is a fascinating one.
I'm sorry to hear of his passing - sending condolences and peace to his close family and all who loved him. But also will take a few moments to raise a toast in celebration of his life and his many achievements.
Bill Richmond, Greeneville, TN
January 18, 2023
I did not know Mr. Bertram, but I have such admiration and respect for WWII veterans that I feel compelled to pass on my condolences to his family. Another member of the Greatest Generation has passed on. Very few remain. I extend my sincere sympathy.
Ellen Marie Fisher
January 13, 2023
I never met "Jack", but I always make it a point to thank a veteran whenever I see a veteran cap and I thank them for their service and for keeping me safe. I may have shaken his hand, If not, I am still very grateful for the service he gave to his country and for making me safe. Fly high and soar high with the Angels. God bless!
Carol Whitney
January 11, 2023
I did not know Mr Bertram but I had read a short time ago about his address to the Air Force cadets at UVA. He and my dad, who died so young in 1960, were the same age, wish that I had been able to have as many years with my father as John’s children did with him. Were it nor for these wonderful WW2 veterans the world as we know it in the United States would probably be extinct. Not many of these fine people left, I’m sure the cadets who met him consider it a privilege.
Adam Healey
January 8, 2023
What an incredible life! A hero to country and family.
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