Bertram Pickell Jr.

Obituary

Chief Pickell was born on September 15, 1954, in Norristown, Pennsylvania and departed this life on November 7, 2025, in San Antonio, Texas. He was the son of the late Bertram Pickell, Sr. and Gloria Pickell.

Bertram Pickell graduated from Pottstown Senior High School in 1972. In August 1973, Bertram enlisted in the United States Air Force as a Morse Systems Intercept Operator. He completed basic training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.

He earned an Associate Degree from the Community College of the Air Force in Communications Technology. He completed all levels of professional military education in residence. While attending the NCO Leadership School, Chief Pickell garnered the Commandant's Distinguished Graduate and Fitness Award.

Chief Pickell had many stateside and overseas assignments during his 30-year career to include: Kessler AFB, Mississippi; San Vito Air Station, Brindisi, Italy; Shu Lin Kou Air Station, Republic of China, Taiwan; Misawa Air Base, Japan; 450th Intelligence Group, RAF Chicksands, United Kingdom; Clark Air Base, in the Philippines; Kelly AFB.

Chief Pickell's military awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal with four oak leaf clusters, the Air Force Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters, the Joint Meritorious Unit Award, the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with five oak leaf clusters, the Air Force Organizational Excellence Award with six oak leaf clusters, the Air Force Good Conduct Medal with eight oak leaf clusters, and the National Defense Service Medal with bronze star. In addition, Chief Pickell received many other awards.

Chief Pickell was very active in the community. He was on the City/County Joint Commission on Elderly Affairs; he participated in community activities in District 6 to include chairing a walking group.

Chief Pickell is survived by his wife the former Sho Fong Pickell of Kaohsiung, Taiwan. He is also survived by his son Richard (Rebecca) Pickell; daughter Michelle (Steve II), Colonna; four grandchildren: Semantha Pickell, Joseph Pickell, Caleb Pickell and Stephen Colonna III; sisters Gail and Linda; brother Richard Pickell.