Paul Bertelsen

Initially a resident of Cranford, NJ, Paul was born on March 23,1926 the seventh of seven siblings. A Navy Veteran, he served his country in the Pacific Theater of WWII seeing action and returning to hone his gifts for stagecraft and the performing arts. By the 1950’s, Paul had worked with the first American TV sitcom and through his theatrical work he was the youngest man ever to be accepted into the Scenic Workers Union of New York. He earned his way to stage manager and scenic designer on Broadway and in summer stock venues where he worked with on-stage talent including Mary Martin, Helen Hayes and Charles Boyer.

Always restless, Paul would also land a career with Tupperware designing international pavilion shows before retiring to Supply, NC in 2001. But Paul could never “retire.” He brought his professional design and performance talents to the service of his church, St. James the Fisherman Episcopal, as well as the Brunswick Little Theatre performing arts group.

He is survived by his nieces and nephews Sandra Stephen’s (husband) Jerry of Rhode Island, Paul Davis of New Jersey, Patricia Berthelsen Wynacht (husband) Thomas of Florida, Bruce Paul Berthelsen of Georgia, Andrea Aldrich of Washington State, Toni Ann Mancini (husband) Lawrence of New Jersey, Susan Ward of Pennsylvania, Mary Jane Sporn of New Jersey, John Berthelsen of New Jersey, Lynn Gildner of New Jersey, Clair Cuzzi of New Jersey, his performing theatrical friends at BLT and his family of St. James the Fisherman.

Godspeed Mr. Paul. Break a leg.

Memorial services, will be held Saturday June 8th at 1pm in St. James the Fisherman Episcopal Church, 4941 Main St, Shallotte with parking in front and behind the church. Further information: (910) 754-9313 or by email at [email protected].

Online condolences may be made at www.shallottefunerals.com

White Funeral and Cremation Service, Shallotte Chapel