Lawrence Eugene Bertino

Lawrence Eugene Bertino

February 21, 1932 - April 26, 2018
Laguna Hills CA

Lawrence Eugene Bertino

February 21, 1932 - April 26, 2018
Laguna Hills CA

Obituary

Lawrence (Larry) Eugene Bertino

February 21, 1932—April 26, 2018

Lawrence Bertino, 86, died at his home in Nellie Gail Ranch on the 26thof April 2018 after a courageous battle with lung cancer.

Larry was born the 8thof 10 children on the 21stof February 1932 to Peter and Jennie (Vernizzi) Bertino. He was raised in Channahon Illinois until, at the age of 14, he left home to join the Monastery at Mt. Carmel in Niagara Falls, Ont., Canada. In 1952, he left the monastery and joined the USAF and served as a linguist during the Korean War.  Larry then went to UCLA and earned degrees in Engineering and Slavic Languages.  After college he began working for McDonald Douglas Aerospace selling their aircraft around the world.  Larry also attended Loyola University in LA and became a lawyer.  For a time, Larry practiced law at his own firm and with the firm of Rutan and Tucker in Newport Beach.  He eventually returned to McDonald Douglas until his retirement.

Larry married Ruth Marie (Tucker) Bertino in 1981 and the two settled in Laguna Hills.  They had a beautiful marriage during which they traveled the world together for 37 loving years.  They were actively involved in the Laguna Hills Cityhood Committee as well as Larry being on the Orange County Grand Jury, and a long-standing member of The Supervisory Committee for NuVision Federal Credit Union.

Larry is survived by his beloved wife Ruth and his two daughters Laurell Cecile Bertino and Deborah Helene (Bertino) Allee.  He is also survived by six grandchildren, one great granddaughter, and many nieces and nephews.  Preceding him in death was his granddaughter Brittany Leigh Booth.

Larry is also survived by a brother Raymond John, and a sister Mary Ann Crater.  He is preceded in death by his siblings Edith Victoria, George Peter, Robert Michael, Margaret, Elizabeth Ann, Thomas Joseph, and Joseph Charles.

There will be a Vigil held for Larry at O’Connor Mortuary in Laguna Hills May 6thfrom 7-9pm. The following day, May 7th, there will be a 10:30am Funeral Mass for Larry at St. Killian’s Catholic Church in Mission Viejo.  On May 8th, all are invited to Miramar National Cemetery at 2pm for the final goodbyes to Larry as he is laid to rest.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.

 

Vigil Service

  • Date & Time: May 6, 2018 (7:00 PM)
  • Venue: O'Connor Mortuary
  • Location: 25301 Alicia Parkway Laguna Hills, CA 92653 - (Get Directions)
  • Phone Number: (949) 581-4300

Funeral Mass

  • Date & Time: May 7, 2018 (10:30 AM)
  • Venue: St. Kilian Catholic Church
  • Location: 26872 Estanciero Drive Mission Viejo, CA 92691 - (Get Directions)
  • Phone Number: (949) 586-4440

Graveside Service

  • Date & Time: May 8, 2018 (2:00 PM)
  • Venue: Miramar National Cemetery
  • Location: 5795 Nobel Drive San Diego, CA 92122 - (Get Directions)
  • Phone Number: (858) 658-7360

American Cancer Society

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8 responses to Lawrence Eugene Bertino

  1. Uncle Larry will always hold a special place in my heart, as the way he lived his life with curiosity, compassion and courage will always be guiding examples of how I aim to live mine. Along with our lovely Aunt Ruth, Uncle Larry opened his home and his heart to my friend and me one summer in High School. It was during that time we shared that I learned more about his graciousness, his adventurous spirit and his ability to not just find but also celebrate the good in people. From that summer forward, I have had the pleasure of learning how Uncle Larry consistently gave so many people the same warm, inspirational feeling in their hearts simply by being himself. When his sister Edith (my Gramma) passed, my heart broke into a million pieces ” but Uncle Larry’s presence in our family (although miles away) allowed me to realize no one really ever abandons us, as they leave pieces of themselves in the thoughts, words and actions of those around them. Just as Uncle Larry was able to heal my heart when my Gramma Edith passed, I have strong belief that he left pieces of himself in each of us that will bring comfort and inspiration to each other. You were an amazing human being, Uncle Larry. I am so grateful we are family. Please let Gramma repeatedly give you big hugs, as I know she’s been missing you. I love you.

  2. April 26, 2018
    To: Heaven
    Dear God,
    I’m sitting here wondering about when Uncle Larry came
    In what language did You call out his name?
    He was proficient, as everyone knew,
    Languages he’d speak, as around the world he flew
    But when Ruthie joined his journey, and was right by his side
    His experiences were 10 fold, introducing her with pride.

    Holidays were brilliant, with Ruth at Nellie Gail Ranch
    His daughters and their families enjoyed every decorated branch
    Memories that through pictures will sustain each adult and child
    With a history of their years together, calm and sometimes wild

    Family was important, sisters and brothers, quite a few
    With George & Bob & Ray & Tom & Joe, they were quite a crew
    They loved to golf or shoot the bull, when Larry came to town
    They met at Joe’s garage, where Jolietians gathered round
    But he didn’t forget his sisters: Edith, Betty and Mariann
    Stopping by each house, reminiscing the days on their farm land
    This family support didn’t end there,
    To nieces and nephews, no uncle could compare
    Visits to Laguna Hills, all were welcome to come
    They’d take us to Disneyland, life with them was fun

    Funerals, reunions and weddings, Aunt Ruth and Uncle Larry came
    No matter what the weather, snow, sun or windy rain
    They knew us all, they loved us all, though 2000 miles away
    Some would come and visit, some would come and stay

    God, You’ve watched his life unfold from the day of his birth
    The seminary couldn’t have provided a life with so much worth
    So now I want to know, just what you spoke of on April 26
    There had to be a party with Laurell’s Brittney in the mix
    Of all the ones who passed and beat him to Your door
    I’m sure he smiled when he saw the relatives galore

    Larry’s watching all who come, with their “good-bye” to say
    Helping Ruthie feel the love and holding her hand to pray
    He’s viewing those who could not come, from just any where
    God bless dear Uncle Larry, his life was quite a prayer.
    Love,
    me
    Niece Margie

  3. Dear Aunt Ruth,
    Love from across the miles as Uncle Larry is laid to rest.
    Hugs,
    Jeff, Fran, Marisa and Tyler Crater

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