Gerald Francis “Bert” Bertagnolli

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Gerald Francis "Bert" Bertagnolli, a longtime resident of Daphne, Alabama, passed away peacefully Friday, April 13, 2018 at the age of 84.

Born on July 29, 1933 to Henry and Genevera, who were one of the founding families of the Italian colony in Daphne. He was the oldest of nine siblings, worked part-time as an advertising typesetter, assisting in paying for his education to become a graduate of McGill Institute in 1951.

"Bert" as he was fondly known, was an electronics communications engineer by trade, and was the owner/operator of Bert's Motorola TV Sales & Service located at 1401 Main Street in downtown Daphne and worked at Brookley Field as a mechanic for many years. He retired from WEAR TV Channel 3 as a communications engineer.

Strong in his faith and serving others, he was an active practicing Catholic at Christ the King Church and the Knights of Columbus, having served in several leadership positions.

He began his career in the Boy Scouts of America as a junior assistant scout master at the age of 18, was a scout master of Troop 87, having earned his Eagle Scout and was presented the Silver Beaver Award.

He also served as a volunteer for the Daphne Fire Department, Daphne Senior Citizens Center and Mercy Medical. His hobbies included league bowling and dancing.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife of 39 years, Elaine; his son, Michael Joseph O'Shea II; and four brothers, Bill, Henry, Tommy and Tony.

He leaves behind to cherish his memories, his daughters, Michele Tew, DeAnne (John) Green and Shawn Foreman; his surviving siblings, Donald (Tina) Bertagnolli, Pat (Glenda) Bertagnolli, Mike (Dottie) Bertagnolli; devoted sister Margaret "Sis" (Ronnie) Crosby; several nieces, nephews and grandchildren of whom he loved dearly.

Bert was well-known and respected by many while in business, at his church and organizational affiliates for his willingness to serve throughout the Baldwin/Mobile area. He will be missed greatly by those who knew him and met him in his lifetime.

The family will receive friends at Wolfe-Bayview Funeral Home, 27409 U.S. Hwy. 98 in Daphne from 5-8 p.m. on Friday, April 20, 2018.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Christ the King Church on Saturday, April 21 with final viewing from 12-12:45 p.m.; Mass at 1 p.m.

Interment will be in Belforest Catholic Cemetery on Highway 64.

Pallbearers include TJ Babb, Justin Tew, Blane Green, Chris Gollotte, godson Tim Crosby and Donald Bertagnolli Jr.

Honorary pallbearers are John Green and Ronnie Crosby.

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be sent to the Knights of Columbus Council 2737 "Building Fund," P.O. Box 672 Daphne, AL 36526, or the Boy Scouts of America Troop 87.

Arrangements by Wolfe-Bayview Funeral Homes & Crematory Inc., 27409 U.S. Hwy. 98, Daphne, Alabama 36526, 251-625-2900, www.wolfefuneralhomes.com.