Joseph Aaron Bertrand, Jr.

Joseph Aaron Bertrand, Jr.

Aaron Bertrand, 92, beloved father, grandfather, and esteemed academic, passed away peacefully after a long battle with Alzheimer's Disease on November 5, 2025.

He was born in Lake Charles, Louisiana. He was preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Lucy Bertrand, wife, Bonnie Read Bertrand and daughter Myrtle Bertrand Heinly. He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Jo Ann Cobb Bertrand, his children and their spouses, Cindy Zetzcshe (John); Ray Bertrand (Shari); Jay Bertrand (Sandrine). Aaron was known as Poppy" to his grandchildren, Stephen and Jonathan Heinly, Erin Bertrand Gibson, Laura Bertrand, Sophie Zetzsche McEntyre, Julian Bertrand. He is survived by his sisters, Pat Waldo, Donna Sauerbrun, brothers, Gary Bertrand, Ronald Bertrand. His love and dedication to his family were unparalleled, and he cherished every moment spent with them.

He graduated from Lagrange High School in Lake Charles. He graduated from McNeese State University with a degree in Chemistry. Aaron received Master's and PhD degrees from Tulane University in New Orleans. His academic journey continued with a prestigious postdoctoral fellowship at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Boston.

Aaron was a Professor of Inorganic Chemistry for over 30 years at the Georgia Institute of Technology. He was the Director of the School of Chemistry from 1973 to 1981. He was a pivotal figure in establishing the Stempower Program, dedicated to mentoring elementary school girls in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. He also served on many committees within the Georgia Tech academic community and received awards and commendations for his service. He received the Outstanding Service Award in 1991. Computing was an interest that began in the early days of computers. He developed software for teaching chemistry, wrote programs and built websites.

Aaron's life was a tapestry of diverse interests and talents. After retiring from Georgia Tech in 1994, he found joy in creating a Japanese garden and growing Bonsai trees, mastered Szechuan and Cajun cooking, and growing orchids. He had an early passion for sports cars. He owned several over the years. His favorite was the 1991 Mazda Miata convertible. Aaron also enjoyed running (especially Peachtree Road Races), Bocce, bowling, photography, reading, watching college basketball and the Braves.

Aaron was a member of Morningside Presbyterian Church for many years. He served as an Elder. He developed a website for Morningside Presbyterian in the early days of the Internet. The website brought new members into the church.

Aaron lived with enduring curiosity, boundless enthusiasm, and unwavering dedication to his family, students, and colleagues. Aaron leaves behind a rich legacy of love, learning, and service. He will be deeply missed and forever cherished by those whose lives he touched.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity. A Memorial Service will be held at Morningside Presbyterian Church, 1411 North Morningside Drive, N.E., Atlanta, Georgia 30306 on December 6 at 2:00 p.m.