Michael "Michele" Bertone

MEMORIAL MASS

Everyone is welcome to attend a Memorial Mass for Michele on Saturday, April 10, 2021 at 11 AM in Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, 123 William St., Springfield, MA 01105. Forastiere Smith Funeral Home, East Longmeadow has been entrusted with arrangements.

SPRINGFIELD – Michael “Michele” Bertone, 91, died on April 9, 2020 in Baystate Medical Center as a result of complications from COVID-19. Born on February 23, 1929 in Macchiagodena, Italy, he was the son of the late Felice and Maria Bertone. He immigrated to the United States in 1946 and studied carpentry. Michael retired from Quinn Construction Company as an accomplished finish carpenter and is an honorary member of Carpenter’s Union Local 108 in Springfield. Michael is predeceased by his wife of 63 years, Rose (DiPalma) who died in 2015. To honor his memory, Michael leaves behind three loving daughters who were his pride and joy and central to his happiness: Angela Rogers and her husband Rob of St. Louis MO, Janet Crimmins and her husband Tim of East Longmeadow, Michelina Bertone of Wilbraham. Michael cherished his six grandchildren, Doug Thayer and his wife Shelbey, Michael Woodruff, Brendin Rogers and his wife Noeble, Nicolas Cosimini and his wife Carisa, Alycia Seevers and her husband Cody and Dylan Michele Bertone, who will never forget Grandpa Mike. His 7 great grandchildren will never forget Nonno. Michael leaves his adoring and devoted sister Nancy “Annunziata” Barile and nieces Connie Perrella, Felicia Buendo and her husband Chris, all of East Longmeadow. He is predeceased by his sister Teresa DeCesare. With love and unwavering respect, Michael’s DeCesare nieces and nephews will treasure their memories of “Zio Michele,” Rocco of East Longmeadow, Felix of Hampden, Nick of Agawam, Dolores Terriaca of Orlando FL, Tony of Westfield, Maria of East Longmeadow, John, Gino of Springfield. Among Michael’s many hobbies he enjoyed carpentry projects and took pride in building the family home. He enjoyed music, cooking and was considered a winemaking aficionado by his family and friends. He was passionate about nature and happiest while tending to his flower and vegetable gardens and watching birds. Michael’s family would like to acknowledge and express their deepest gratitude to Lisa DiLusio, Kelly LaBranche, Linda Richardson, Grazyna Bieniasz, Keri Turcotte, Katie Hodges, Laura Salmond, Belinda Palafox, and Catherine Rivera for the tender loving care, companionship and friendship they gave Michael over the past three years. There will be a private family gathering on Thursday, April 16th from 10-11AM at Forastiere Smith Funeral Home, East Longmeadow. Memorial contributions may be made in Michael’s name to Baystate Health Foundation, 280 Chestnut Street, Springfield MA 01199. All donations are designated for the Gifts of Gratitude fund in honor of the dedicated, compassionate healthcare professionals dealing with the Coronavirus crisis. For online condolences please visit www.forastiere.com.