John Patrick Bertsch, age 85, passed away peacefully on June 23rd in the company of his loving wife Beverly. Born the middle child to Len and Lucille Bertsch of Dubuque, Iowa he attended Loras Academy in Dubuque before graduating with BS and MS degrees from Emerson College in Boston. He served honorably in the US Army.

John was happily married to Beverly Chalfin for 60 years. The two met while John worked as a supervisor in Emerson’s dining services. Having seen Bev enter the dining area in a blue knit dress, he alerted the staff that she would be granted as many desserts as she asked for.

Following grad school, John was on the faculty and taught speech courses at Dean Junior College and Northeastern University, both in the Boston area. He began a career in advertising in Boston which culminated 35 years later as the President of his own recruitment advertising agency… Bertsch & Company, headquartered in New York City.

With Beverly, he lived for 33 years in Pelham, NY. While Bev taught at one of Pelham’s elementary schools, John volunteered for scores of activities including Little League, Men’s Club, church lector activities and acted as Chairman of the Zoning Board of Appeals for 13 years. One of John’s proudest accomplishments was spearheading the Booster Club Weenie Wagon, which helped fund youth sports In Pelham for years to come. John was also on the Board of Directors for Calvary Hospital, a hospice facility in the Bronx, for 30 years.

Retirement in 2005 took them to Fernandina Beach, FL. John was a member of the Police Auxiliary Corp (PAC) and directed traffic every Tuesday at Southside School and during local parades. John and Bev found a community in Amelia Park where they cherished their neighbors and critiqued the local eating establishments.

John is survived by his loving wife Beverly, son Jason (Anne) Charlestown, MA and daughter Jennifer (Jared) Boston, MA. He has six loving grandchildren in Connor, Gwen, Charlotte, Kelly, Shea and Harper. He is also survived by three siblings, Tom, Mary Ellen and Ruth Ann. His oldest brother, Bob, predeceased him.

Nothing pleased him more than watching his children and grandchildren grow and succeed in athletics. He was proud of them in all their endeavors and in watching his grandkids grow into thoughtful, young adults.

In lieu of flowers or any donations, John asks that you be especially kind to one another…Always.