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Darrel Berteaux Obituary

BERTEAUX Darrel Berteaux, age 70, of Ft. Lauderdale, FL departed this life on Tuesday, February 1, 2011. He was born on August 31, 1940 in New Orleans, LA to Norman and Consuela Berteaux. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Norman and sister, Leontine. Darrel is survived by his wife of 48 years, Jean; son, Miguel; brother, Bryan; cousin, Gerald Aguillard; four grandchildren and two great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and friends. A graduate of Xavier University in New Orleans and Florida Atlantic University; he was an educator for 40 years and a well known musician in South Florida. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Friday, 10:00AM at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Catholic Church, 2731 SW 11 Ct., Ft. Lauderdale. A Repast will follow in the Church Hall. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society; 3363 W. Commercial Blvd. Suite 100, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33309. Arrangements by T.M.Ralph Plantation Funeral Home, 7001 NW 4 Street, Plantation, FL 33317. Condolences to www.tmralph.com

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Published by The Times-Picayune on Feb. 9, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Darrel Berteaux

Not sure what to say?





Tom Cummings

February 2, 2021

Mr Berteaux, I think about you often and how you helped guide me as a teacher while becoming my great friend. You really knew how to make learning enjoyable for students and teachers. I will always carry fond memories of you, your family and the students and teachers you inspired. Keep the music playing...

Burbet Ferguson-Kerr

February 1, 2021

Mr. Darrel Berteaux, my 32 years in MDCPS was made possible because of you. Pray that we will meet again in the Holy Hills.

Elizabeth Swint

February 1, 2021

You will always be in my heart .. still " Principal of the Year" Mr. D. Berteaux

May 14, 2012

I have thought of you quite often during the past 14 years since I left Westview Middle School as a guidance counselor. It was you, "Mr. B" who gave me that chance to prove myself in Dade County Schools. And I will never forget that. You began my career. I have missed you....and may you rest in peace. Michelle Kaplan Bisno

Wendy

February 3, 2012

It's been a year and I still think about you every day. You will always be close to my heart.

Cherie Courseault Trumbach

January 12, 2012

They Taught Me (Facebook Note)
by Cherie Courseault Trumbach on Sunday, February 13, 2011 at 11:08pm.


The past couple of months have been difficult for my family. Just before Christmas, my dad's father, Percy Courseault, Sr, passed and I just came back from Florida having attended the funeral of my uncle, Darrel Berteaux, on my mother's side. I've spent alot of time thinking in the last couple of months about the impact these two men have made on my life. The life that they have poured into me. The lessons that they taught me. The gifts from God that both men were.



My grandfather died at the ripe young age of 92. He was a mechanic and the epitomy of hard work. From what I understand, he had a work ethic like no other and it was obviously instilled in his 8 children. His children modelled it for their children. However, it wasnt his work ethic that was most evident to me as a granddaughter. After all, he was retired for most of my memorable life. My grandfather always had a smile on his face, a funny story to tell,and a joking response in his back pocket. I will always remember riding in his car as a kid on a trip talking about eggs for an entire half hour. He was never in a rush and was never offended by anything any of us did or said. To put it plainly, he was just a joy to be around. My grandfather was also loyal and faithful. Six of my uncles and one cousin attended St. Augustine High School. My grandfather worked the athletic events until he was physically unable to do so which was decades after his sons were students. He stayed by my grandmother's side until her death, even passing up the rare opportunity to go to the Rose Bowl with the Marching 100. Yet, after my grandmother passed, he was out and about living his life. There was no time for sitting around moping. I learned that lesson from him. There is no time for sitting around moping.



On the other side of my family was my uncle Darrel Berteaux. He was the husband of my mom's only sister. We spent a good part of our summers as young kids at their home in Florida and they visited us quite a bit. My Uncle Darrel was an educator and a pianist like no other. He was very proud of the work that he did and so was I. He was a role model for all. Around him, I felt like I could accomplish anything in this world. I knew that he was proud of me and that always made me want to prove him right. He was proof that where you come from does not have to limit where you go. He appreciated the finer things in life and introduced me to some of them. It was because of my aunt and uncle that I saw my first musical. However, it was my second musical, that I will always remember. I was in high school and I went to visit them for my birthday. They took me to a fancy dinner in Miami with their friends. It was the first time that I can remember going to such a restaurant. It was on the water and we took a boat to the theater. We went to see Phantom of the Opera and while I thoroughly enjoyed the music, listening to my uncle critique it the entire time was an experience in and of itself. The best way to listen to music with my uncle Darrel was in one of his cars. If you've ever had the privelege of doing so, you know what I mean.



Even though I did not get to spend as much time with either one of them as i would have liked, I will miss those opportunities. However, I will carry with me all the days of my life, the memories and life lessons from the mechanic and the educator. Both were honorable men who though walked very different paths, were the same in the standards that they set and the joy that they brought.

Andre Charbonnet, Sisi Coakley, Jennifer Charbonnet, Clement Charbonnet, Patrick Coakley, Yvette Charbonnet, Percy Courseault, III like this..


Patrick Coakley
now they can both rest in heaven..
February 13, 2011 at 11:59pm ·

Judy Cougle
I'm praying for Jean& Miguel & all the rest of your family, too!
February 14, 2011 at 12:50am

Denise Courseault
All I can say is beautiful...I will miss them too...they were 2 great guys in my life also...
February 14, 2011 at 6:42pm ·

Tony Courseault
touching and well-written...thank you.
February 20, 2011 at 10:14am

Christi Courseault Coakley
well said
March 7, 2011 at 4:00pm

Ed Maina

August 12, 2011

I was told of Darrel's passing by Tom Cummings, I believe it was back in May. My heart sunk, and it hit me
hard. He hired me as his Band Director at Westview Middle on August 19th, 1989, and was always in my corner, and always available. In those 11 or so years together at Westview, we touched a lot of lives, made a lot of music and had some great talks. I do know that even though life ends, memories last forever, and the ones I have with "Mr. B" are very special. I will miss you very much!

Frances Fair-Harden

July 20, 2011

This was shocking to see this...God bless your family...You were a cool Principal. You knew my family for many years and watched us grow. Thank you for being you!! Class of 88-90...Fair Family (Frances-Fair Harden)

George Greene

June 11, 2011

May God accept you into the Kingdom with no more suffering.

George and Elaine Greene

Tamara Duggins

February 23, 2011

RIP Mr. Berteaux! My God bless your family and loved ones in their time of loss! Thank you for being a great principal at Turner Tech!

LATOYA DARDY

February 23, 2011

I loving memory of a wonderful person and a great prinicpal..My family is deeply sideing to hear this, he was a principal to generations of my family at Westview MIddle & WIlliam H. Turner Tech.He will truly be missed.

Quinise Robinson

February 22, 2011

I was very shocked to hear of your passing.I have very fond memories of you being the "cool" principal at both Westview Middle and Turner Tech. My prayers are with your family.

yadira paredes

February 22, 2011

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

February 17, 2011

Dear Mrs. Berteaux,

Please accept our sincere condolences from the entire staff of the bone marrow transplant unit. Darrel will be remembered by many.

Judy Luck

February 16, 2011

Dear Mrs. Berteaux,

I was so sad to see that Darrel has left us. I thoroughly enjoyed caring for him and it was always a joy to see the two of you. I feel blessed to have known him.

May his music live on in the heart and soul of you and your family and be the strength to move forward.

Elizabeth Swint

February 14, 2011

To the Berteaux family and friends,
Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal. Even though he is gone he will never be forgotten.

Christina Hall

February 13, 2011

Grandma(Jean),Although your soul mate has left us he will always remain in our hearts. He fought a long tough fight and Grandma you have been so strong through his ten years of pain. He was a very strong person and he wants you to be strong for him and all of us. We will miss Grandpa(Darrel) soooo much words can't explain. He will always remain #1 in our hearts. Love your Grandchildren Christina, Bert, Muffin & Nakeya. We Love You Grandpa!!!

Jo Anne Tardy

February 12, 2011

Jean, I'm so, so sorry to suddenly hear of this. You know that Darrel
had been like a brother to me for so many years, especially at XP. I'm so happy that you and he attended the Prep's 1987 reunion. There he was, teasing me, once again. I pray God Who is Kind, grants you the
strength to bear this loss. He must need more good-humored angels
in Heaven. Sorry I could not be there, but will be praying.
Luv, Jo Anne Green Tardy

Roy Cyprian, Jr.

February 11, 2011

Jean and Miguel, i would like to offer my condolences.

February 11, 2011

My thoughts and prayers are with the Berteaux family.we lost a good person,a person who gave me the opportunity of growth. Ms.Covington

Elaine Parker Adams

February 11, 2011

Jean and Family--I am sure that you have enjoyed Darrel's company over the years. As a classmate at Xavier Prep, he was a fun-loving,mischievous, but very bright man. May he rest in peace.

Tonya Hepburn Newman

February 11, 2011

My condolences to Mrs. Berteaux, Miguel, and your entire family. May God give you peace and strength.

Ivonne Latorre

February 11, 2011

My thoughts and prayers are with the Berteaux family. We lost a good person, a person who gave me the opportunity of growth. I am proud to be in his life history and he will always be in my heart.

Dr. Ken Becker

February 10, 2011

My deepest sympathy to Jean,Miguel and family,and the entire Berteaux family. Darrel was a Great man,Great educator, Great musician, and Great friend since 1976. My 'favorite cajun' fought right to the end! When we spoke a couple of weeks ago and planned to meet, you said: 'just call me in the morning to make sure I'm having a good day.' My wishes that you enjoy great jazz, and students and faculty that, from the entries, obviously appreciate you! Thank God,for Dade County, that Dr.S likes jazz. Rest in Peace, my friend.

Roy and Sybil Badon Cyprian

February 10, 2011

Jean, we offer our heartfelt condolences to you, Miguel and family on the loss of your loved one. It was always good to talk with you and Darrel when you visited your Mother. May beautiful memories of a live lived to its fullest sustain you during this difficult time.

Please give our best to your Mother.

Betsy Nadal-McCray

February 10, 2011

Berteaux Family,

May the blessings of the Lord be upon you during your time of loss. Mr. "B" was a fun loving man and cared so very deeply for his students. Be very proud of the person that he was, he encouraged and lead many students to their destiny. Thanks Mr. "B" you are now among the elite in heaven.

Burbet Ferguson-Kerr

February 10, 2011

A true "Champion" for Teachers is gone from this earth.It was an absolute pleasure working under the leadership of Mr. Berteaux.

Tom Cummings

February 10, 2011

I want to send my condolences to the Berteaux family. I truly enjoyed my years knowing Mr. B! He treated me like a son always saying I reminded him of Miguel (Miguel and me are Sagittarius). He always had time for students and teachers and Westview was a fun, caring and productive school under his direction. He really knew how to put it all together. I will miss him and think about him often.

Dr. Patrick Anthony Williams

February 10, 2011

Great memories of Berteaux. He hired me and Jack McHale over 20 yrs ago at Westview Middle School. I remember his guidance and stern warnings as a beginning teacher. I am glad I was able to communicate to him the day I received my Ph.D. from University of Miami. He was so happy for me, he said, "you go boy!" You will be miss Mr. Berteaux. I will cherish the times and the instructions you gave me. Rest!

Nancy Nadal

February 10, 2011

The light that shines on this candle...is the way the room lite up when Mr. B entered...God bless

Davion Crumel

February 10, 2011

I'm so thankful for all of the memories that I have of you as a mentor and my work father...You've taught me so much and have planted so much in my life. You live in my heart forever...

Nancy Nadal

February 10, 2011

I extend my thoughts and prayers to his family and may God bless you and keep you through this berievement time..Mr. B. was not only my principal in middle school but also my first boss when I started in the school system...He will be greatly missed..

Patricia (Strachan) Smith

February 10, 2011

You are in our thoughts and prayers. You will never be forgotten.

Pat

Darlene Olivo

February 9, 2011

Bryan, I am so sorry for your loss. Even though I never met Darrel, I could tell immediately he was your and Norman's brother. I send my deepest condolences.

Darlene

February 9, 2011

You have put up a good fight now you are able to rest.

- Cleve & Rosemary

Wendy and Alan

February 8, 2011

Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.

Gail Harris Pacheco

February 8, 2011

To a very special caring man...remembering the time at Westview Middle and Turner Tech...thanks for all you did for the kids!!!

Don Nanney

February 8, 2011

Wish I had the right words: just know I care. You and your loved one will be in my thoughts and prayers.

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