Peter Joseph Bertani, 94, long time resident of Niagara Falls, NY, passed away peacefully on March 15, 2015 at the home of his daughter in Bon Air, VA, where he has resided the last several years.
Born and raised in Niagara Falls, NY, he was the son of the late Carlo "Charles" and Virginia Bertani. He was also predeceased by his infant son, Richard Peter Bertani, his beloved wife Mary and brother Joseph (Sarah) Bertani.

Peter attended locals schools and graduated from Niagara Falls High School. He apprenticed to become a professional stonemason and bricklayer and was also a member of BAC #3 of New York. Peter served in the United States Army Air Corps (later to become the Air Force), during World War II in the Pacific Area throughout India and China. He was a SSGT in the Flying Tigers, 491st Bomber Squadron serving as crew chief whose responsibility was maintain B-25 planes. He was honorably discharged in 1945. Peter and Mary attended annual reunions of his squadron for many years at different locales where they could catch up on life activities.

Mr. Bertani was employed by Union Carbide Corporation, products division until his retirement in 1962. Following his retirement from Union Carbide, he worked part time as a custodian at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church and School. Peter enjoyed tile work, playing Bocce ball, bowling, planting and maintaining the family garden every summer. He also enjoyed helping family and friends with their home projects. Peter and Mary loved dancing and were a very striking couple on the dance floor. Peter was a loyal friend, with a great sense of humor, who was loved by all who knew him and always had a ready smile. He loved his grand-cats and his beloved cat Denny survives him.
Peter attended Bon Air Café Senior Connections where he met other seniors who became friends. Thank you to all of our family and friends both in Niagara Falls, and Bon Air for all of your concern, help and support. A very special thank you to Always There Companion Care, who allowed Virginia to continue working and keep Peter at home during the past year when his health declined as well as Kendall Bland, who became Dad's primary caregiver. Kendall was always loving, caring, gentle and concerned about Pop's as he called him. They became very good friends and Kendall became part of our family. William Stanley took care of Peter in Kendall's absence and also was a compassionate caring man.

Peter is survived by his son James (Marla) of Rochester, NY; one daughter Virginia of Bon Air, VA; three grandchildren Erin of Cheektowaga, NY, Mikael and Jacob both of Rochester, NY; nephews Charles (Julie) and Robert (Leanne) of Columbus, Ohio, as well as several great and great-great nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, July 5th from 4 – 8 PM at the M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 MILITARY ROAD, NIAGARA FALLS, NY. Family and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Monday, July 6th at 10:00 AM at Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph Parish at Mt. Carmel Church, 27th and Independence Ave. Niagara Falls, NY, concluding with Military Honors. Interment in St. Joseph Cemetery, Niagara Falls, NY will be held at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers and because of Peter's love for cats, memorial may be made to Hopewell Humane Society, 3412 Oaklawn Blvd. Hopewell, VA 23860.