John Richard (Dick) Bertone

John Richard (“Dick”) Bertone, 78, of Newport Beach, CA., peacefully passed into eternal life on Tuesday, November 8, 2011, surrounded by his beloved family. Dick was born in Glendale, CA. on July 2, 1933, to Dominick B. Bertone and Marie T. Ferguson. He was a graduate of Alhambra High School and, like his father and his grandfather before him, made a career in the steel industry. After being honorably discharged from the United States Navy in 1955, Dick worked for 32 years as a Los Angeles-based salesman for U.S. Steel (which later became USS/Posco) and, upon retiring from USS/Posco in 1987, continued in the steel coating business, for an additional 21 years, as a salesman for Continuous Coating Company in Orange, CA.

Dick was known for his selfless service to others and as a consummate host. Able to fix and build anything, he often devoted time to family, friends and neighbors helping with odd jobs around their homes. At every social gathering he hosted or attended, Dick always made sure that everyone felt noticed, comfortable, and had plenty to eat and drink. He demonstrated appreciation for others’ service efforts by being a generous tipper. Known for donning Aloha-wear and Topsiders, his favorite travel destination was Hawaii, which he visited often with his wife and family. Dick’s pastimes included boating, fishing, skiing, cultivating orchids, riding in his golf cart, watching football and golf on TV, cooking, eating and being a practical joker. Dick was a loyal and long-time member of the “Six O’Clockers” at the Balboa Bay Club, where he made many lasting friendships. He was also a 50-year member of Arcadia Masonic Lodge No. 278 and a Past President and Board Member of the Quarter Century Metals Club. During the last three years, while suffering from the effects of frontotemporal dementia, Dick became a member of American Legion Newport Harbor Post 291, learned to play the ukulele and enjoyed activities at the Oasis Senior Center in Corona Del Mar.

Dick was preceded in death by his loving parents, his stepmother Joy, and his sister Nancy Clark. He is survived by his wife of nearly 40 years, Linda; three children, Marc (wife Cecie), Steffni and Jennie (husband Richard); three grandchildren, A.J., Taylor and Thomas; and his devoted team of caregivers, Manny, George, Jhun and Patrick, without whom the past two years would have been infinitely more difficult.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 18, 2011 at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, 600 St. Andrews Road, Newport Beach, CA. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association of Orange County at https://www.alz.org/oc/ or The Deacon’s Fund at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church.