Thomas Bertrando

Thomas Richard Bertrando, age 79, passed away peacefully on June 13, 2026, in Newark, Delaware. Born on January 20, 1947, in Wilmington, Delaware.

 Tom was the youngest of the three sons of William and Catherine (Myers) Bertrando. They grew up in Toughkenamon, PA, on “the Bertrandorosa” as we affectionately called it.

 Tom is survived by his son, Ed, his daughter, Brooke, her husband Michael and his beloved granddaughter Lily Jade. He was predeceased by his wife of 52 years, Joan (Boyer).

 Tom was a graduate of the Kennett High School class of 1964 and was always a proud supporter of the town. 

He joined the Army in 1967 and was honorably discharged the following year. He returned home and began his career working for Bertrando Brothers mushroom farms. In 1988 he got a job working for the United States Postal Service, from which he retired in 2013.

 Tom was an avid gardener, his yard said to rival Longwood Gardens, and he maintained a picture-worthy yard until his body would not allow him to do so. 

He was a HUGE Eagles and Phillies fan and loved to yell at the games on TV, be it in anger or joy. He loved dogs, his cherished beagles (Bagel and Snoopy) and his grand-dogs especially Skylar Joy AKA “Sky King” or “the Beast from the East,” all of whom I am sure were waiting for him at the rainbow bridge. 

The ocean always called Tom, and he went whenever he could. The family spent many a week in Ocean City, NJ, swimming and playing in the sand and ending the night with a walk on “the boards” and maybe a few rides at the pier. He cherished those times and missed the shore when he could no longer make the trip.

 Tom worked hard to provide for his family and passed away knowing he would be able to contribute a hefty amount to Lily’s college fund, for which he was extremely proud.

 Tom passed away from the devastating disease Lewy Body Dementia, for which he was never diagnosed until he was put in hospice. This fatal disease is extremely difficult to diagnose, and is often misdiagnosed as Parkinson's, Alzheimer’s or Depression, all of which he was being treated for in the end and some of which he may have never had. 

If you wish to donate to the Lewy Body foundation in his honor, please visit https://lbda.org/.