William P. "Bill" Bertoia

Mr. William P. "Bill" Bertoia, age 63, passed away Sunday, November 2, 2008 at Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids. He was born June 17, 1945 in Muskegon to Joseph and Hazel (Underhill) Bertoia and lived all of his life in the Muskegon area. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force having served in the Viet Nam War. On August 7, 1977, he married the former Kathryn M. "Kathy" Weiss at Sacred Heart Church in Muskegon Heights and she survives him. Bill earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Middle Tennessee State University in 1973 and began teaching 7th and 8th grade at Sacred Heart School. Bill's teaching career would continue in Adult Education Programs for the following school districts: White Cloud, Grant, Muskegon Heights, Oakridge, and most recently, White Lake where he retired in 2007 but continued teaching part-time. Bill was an avid sportsman as he was Student Assistant at Middle Tennessee State University Basketball. He was basketball coach for Sacred Heart Jr. High School; assistant varsity basketball coach for Muskegon Catholic Central High School; Little League Baseball Coach for Mona Shores Youth Athletics; and was currently the statistician for Muskegon Catholic Central Varsity Football. He also bowled for several area men's leagues and played men's slow-pitch softball. He enjoyed golfing and deer hunting. Bill was known for his quick wit and outrageous sense of humor. He will be sorely missed by his beloved family and many friends. SURVIVORS include his wife, Kathy; 3 sons, Jason (Damien Schultz) Bertoia; Dennis (Sarah Metiva) Bertoia, Ryan (Melissa) Bertoia; 2 brothers, George (Janice) Bertoia, Gerald (Monda) Bertoia; 1 sister, Susan (Gary) Fuller; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents. A FUNERAL LITURGY will be held 2:00 PM Thursday, November 6, 2008 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with the Rev. Fr. John Vallier presiding. INTERMENT will follow at Norton Cemetery with Military Honors offered by the Muskegon County Council of Veterans. VISITATION with Bill's family will be 1-4 and 6-9 PM Wednesday at The Lee Chapel Sytsema Funeral Homes, Inc. 6291 S. Harvey St. Visitation will also be held one hour prior to the service, 1-2 PM Thursday at church. MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS may be directed to the Viet Nam Veterans of America Chapter #31 or the Renucci Hospitality House of Spectrum Health in Grand Rapids.