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, Third-Class, Trainer, in 503rd Airborne Infantry Regiment from 1955 to 1957. He continued to jump out of planes after his honorable discharge, founding the Claymont Parachute Club with an Army buddy.
Andy met his bride Nancy (Carvin) on a snowy night in Claymont when she was waiting for a bus after a movie. He offered her a ride, which she politely declined. He then circled the block twice more, each time imploring her to accept his offer, rather than risk waiting in the freezing weather for a bus that may not come. She reluctantly agreed, and when he proved to be a consummate gentleman, Nancy accepted his request for a dinner date. Five months later, they would embark on a marriage of 62 years.
Andy's persistence and his need to look out for others on display the night he met Nancy were hallmarks of his life, as was the sense of adventure that led him to jump out of airplanes in service to his country.
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 the United States, including the opening of the Shreveport, La., plant. Upon his retirement in 1984, he continued as a consultant, serving on projects in Canada, Mexico, Thailand, and England, where he worked on the Channel Tunnel project. 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).
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 contribution, please call 602.343.841 or click here.
