Robert C. Bertschy

Robert Chickering Bertschy of Brewster, passed away on April 10, 2017. “Bobby was a surprise,” his mother said, “we didn’t know he was in there.” He was a twin, born 30 minutes after his brother, Harry, to parents Emily (Chickering) and Harry Bertschy on October 25, 1938 in Dover, MA.

Bob graduated from Boston University with a degree in education, obtained a Master’s degree in education and a PhD in Management. He taught Chemistry and Performing Arts at the Hyde School in Bath, Maine. He coached basketball, lacrosse, football, soccer and tennis. After teaching for 18 years, he moved on to a career as a Human Resource Manager at Teleflex Corporation in Limerick, PA.

Bob was a man of many talents. He choreographed dances with his Hyde students which they performed on Broadway and at the Kennedy Center. In his 40s, he began to paint stunning oil and water colors. At age 62, he took up the violin to be able to relate to Lisa and Jon’s endeavors. That’s the kind of man he was. His big-hearted nature defined him. He believed in people’s goodness and inspired them to be their best.

Golf was Bob’s life-long passion. Diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2014, Bob continued to challenge life. He joined support groups to understand and deal with his dementia. He continued to paint, golf and serve as a greeter and participant in bible classes at Brewster Baptist Church. . In the last year of his life, Bob worked tirelessly to recover from two strokes, but finally, he was faced with a foe he could not beat – advanced stomach cancer. Bob didn’t want to leave those who needed him, but after soul-searching medical and spiritual council, he accepted God’s plan and went peacefully at home.

Bob is survived by his first wife Melaine (Morris) Bertschy and their children Scott and his wife Jeanne, of Bloomfield Hills, MI, Pamela of Woodstock, CT, and Linda Bertschy Ashforth and Brian of Whitehouse Station, NJ., and his devoted wife of 29 years, Patricia Barbano Bertschy and their children Jaime Jonathan of Hudson, MA, and Lisamarie of Philadelphia, PA. Very saddened to lose “one of the good guys” are his brothers Jim Bertschy of Ohio, Harry of West VA., and Ray (Skip) Bowditch of FL. He is also survived by grandchildren Wesley Bertschy, Molly Ashforth Tomevi, Hank Ashforth, Grace Ashforth, and Giovanna Valerio.

Memorial donations may be made in Bob’s name to the Alzheimer’s Family Support Center, AFSC, 2095 Main Street, Brewster, MA 02631.

For online condolences please visit www.nickersonfunerals.com