Gerald ‘Jerry’ V. Berti

Gerald “Jerry” V. Berti, age 82, of Sullivan, Missouri, passed away Tuesday, February 12, 2019 at his home, surrounded by his family.

Gerald Victor was born on November 14, 1936 in Sullivan, Missouri, to Victor C. and Geraldine (Jackson) Berti. He and his siblings were the first generation of Berti’s to be born in the United States, their father emigrating from Italy. When Jerry and his brother, Bob, were boys they helped their father and grandfather build many of the rock homes and businesses in Sullivan. This was a trade they brought with them from Italy. Jerry’s father, Vic, also owned and operated a cattle and dairy farm, where Vic and the boys would deliver the milk and cheese to the area homes. Jerry attended Reed’s Defeat School and graduated from Sullivan High school, Class of 1954. He was employed by the Conservation Department as a young man, and later, worked for Ramsey Corporation as a supervisor for 30 years. Jerry owned and operated his own cattle farm, working all day on the farm, and then working nights at Ramsey. On November 24, 1997, Jerry was united in marriage to Betty Forister Fitzgerald and they enjoyed 21 years together. Jerry enjoyed hunting, going to Auctions, Hootenannies and the McDonald Coffee Club.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Betty Berti of Sullivan, MO; one daughter, Renae Bridgeman of Warrenton, MO; two step-children, Harold Fitzgerald of Dittmer, MO, and Angela Wilson of Festus, MO; five grandchildren, Jada Palma and husband, Rob, Aron Ferrell and husband, Brandon, Alexandra Magar and husband, Daniel, Kyle Fitzgerald, and Branden Fitzgerald; six great-grandchildren, Addilyn, Giovanni, Luca, Mackenzie, Mia and Nova; one brother, Bob Berti and wife, Edna Mae, of Sullivan, MO; nieces & nephews, other relatives and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Victor and Geraldine Berti; and one sister, Norma Hill and husband, Wendell.

Funeral services were conducted at 12 p.m., Friday, February 15, 2019 at the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan, with Pastor Scott Perry as the officiant. Interment followed in I.O.O.F. Cemetery in Sullivan.

Visitation was held from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., on Friday, at the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan.

Memorial Contributions may be given to the American Cancer Society or B.J.C. Hospice.

Friends may send online condolences to the Berti family at www.eatonfuneralhome.com.

All arrangements were under the care of the Eaton Funeral Home of Sullivan & Bourbon, MO.