"I have only now seen the on-line obituary for Andy. I am so sorry to hear of his passing. He was my boss for some years on the Channel Tunnel Project. He was always so full of fun and very understanding about the daily problems which we encountered on this difficult job. He frequently talked about his family of whom he was very proud and loved very much, this could seen in his eyes and the smile on his face. He was a fantastic person to work with and I only wish that I could have got to know him more socially but as my family had come down from Scotland and had only just settled in the area I had to go home at night to see them. Again I am so sorry to read about Andy?s passing. The world has lost a unique soul. gentle man"
In loving memory of
Andrew F. Bertinelli
May 24, 1934 -- December 7, 2016
Andrew F. Bertinelli passed away peacefully with his bride Nancy of 62 years by his side on December 7 at his home in Scottsdale, Ariz.
Andy was born in Carbondale, Penn., to Nazzareno and Angelina (Croza) Bertinelli. He had two sisters, Norma Fairweather (deceased) and Adeline Vispi. The family later moved to Claymont, Delaware, where he spent his formative years.
That Andy died on Pearl Harbor Day was fitting, as he was a proud Veteran. He served as a Specialist in the 503rd Airborne Infantry Regiment from 1955 to 1957.
Andy and Nancy lived in Munich during his final year in the Army, and they traveled extensively throughout their marriage, enjoying annual cruises to Hawaii.
Andy was a loyal employee of General Motors for 32 years, serving as Materials Director and having a hand in the operations of more than a dozen plants throughout North America. Upon his retirement in 1984, he continued as a consultant and worked on the Channel Tunnel project in England. Andy was present during the historic moment when the Chunnel boring machine broke through to the workers on the French side.
Andy and Nancy had five children: Drew of Walla Walla, Wash.; Mark (deceased); the actress Valerie Bertinelli Vitale of Studio City, Calif.; David of Charlevoix, Mich.; and Patrick of Scottsdale, Ariz. They are the proud grandparents of four: Wolfgang Van Halen (Valerie); Calvin and Bailey Bertinelli (Drew); and Enzo Bertinelli (David).
Services with military honors will be held at 1 PM on Friday, December 16, 2016 at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 N Cave Creek Road, Phoenix, Ariz., 85024.
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be made to Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) Foundation in support of research into cardiovascular disease among veterans. To make a memorial gift, please call 602-343-8411; visit tgenfoundation.org; or mail to TGen Foundation, 445 N. 5th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004.
Online condolences may be made at www.hansenmortuary.com.
Tributes
"I have just noted onfacebook that Andy has passed away. I worked with Andy for many years on the Channel Tunnel project and a nicer person you could not meet. I have very fond memories of Andy and I know he loved his wife and kids very much. May he rest in peace."
"Valerie my daddy knew your dad very well they worked together at General Motors in Van Nuys Ca He is always asking about him l know he is going to be very Sad when l tell him his name is Pablo Ramirez lm very sorry Your Dad passed away"
"We admired your family. . .'so Italian as we are. Good times camping together, parties in Toth and Fry back yards and much more. G. M. Was good to us in those days. I laugh when I remember Andy turning to me at Easter dinner (1995) in Fry's back yard, observed my pitch-black coffee a d said, "good Italian girl, Mia. I see you don't like sissy stuff in yours, either." Much love and healing. Bob and Mia Behrens"
"Nancy, Drew, Valerie, David and Patrick, So saddened to hear of Andy's death. Our prayers are with you all. We think of you often as we fondly share old pictures. Your former Ashbourne Hills Neighbors The James Gallons Family (now of Bethany Beach, DE)"
"Just heard about the passing of Andy. My sincere sympathy to the entire family. Andy and I transferred to GM central office at the same time. He was a great guy, and a loyal and dedicated GM employee. He provided a real thrill for my son when he had Valerie autograph a picture of her and presented to him. Jack Summers, Baltimore, Md."
"Sorry to see Andy has passed. We know it's a difficult time for all of you. We offer our love and affection to all of you."
"Valerie, My condolences to you and your family with the loss of your father. Nora"
"So sorry for your loss. Your family is in our prayers. - Kukulich Family - neighbors in Ashbourne Hills, Claymont, DE."
"Nancy and Family Sorry to hear about Andy, I worked with him in Wilmington as we were both supervisors in Material and fellow "coal crackers" from northeastern Pennsylvania . Andy was a great guy, I will keep you all in my prayers Bill Walukonis"
"Valerie, I knew your dad for years. Great man. So sorry. I'm from Newark DE, now live in Gilbert AZ."
"So sorry for your loss. My mother worked with him at General Motors in the 1950's and always spoke very highly of him."