Ruperto Bertos Dala

Ruperto Bertos Dala died peacefully on Thursday, March 10, 2022, surrounded by his family. He was born on November 17, 1932, in Lalawigan, Eastern Samar, Philippines to the late Gualberto & Facunda Dala. He was an attorney, graduating in 1961 from the College of Law at the University of Manila, where he served in the Advanced ROTC program and was a reservist commissioned 2nd Lieutenant. Ruperto was appointed as Deputy Clerk of Court for the 13th Judicial District, Borongan Easter Samar Branch.

In 1976, he emigrated to the United States with his wife & six children and all became naturalized citizens in 1982. Ruperto was an active member and Eucharistic minister at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Point Pleasant, WV where he resided for 31 years. He was passionate about the mission of “The Guiuan Holy Rosary Association” and looked forward to its Fiesta celebration each year. He loved the outdoors; playing tennis, swimming, biking, fishing, and deer hunting. An avid reader, he also enjoyed wood-working, gardening, cooking, and taught himself to play guitar in his early 80’s. “Papa Pe” (affectionately named by his grandchildren) leaves a legacy of warmth, love, and kindness. His gentle spirit and soft-spoken nature will forever be cherished by those he touched.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Milagros Montero Dala; six children, Jimmy Dala (Marilesa), Lita Belinfante (Erik), Jun Dala (Maria), Feli McKown, Miel Webster (Jon), and Raymund Dala (Bradley Bush); nine grandchildren, Isaac (Jessy), Quincy and Victoria McKown, Noah and Lauren Belinfante, Robert and Ryan Webster, Peter Dala, Brandon Dala; great grandchild Charlie McKown; sister Rosario Catudio (Bectoy); and many beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by brothers Jose Dala (Josefina), Felipe Dala (Leonora), and Pelagio Dala (Remedios).

The family will receive friends and relatives from 9:00 to 10:30 am on Friday, March 18, 2022 at Kraeer Funeral Home, 1655 N University Drive, Coral Springs, FL. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, 1401 Coral Ridge Drive in Coral Springs, FL. The mass will be livestreamed via https://stelizabethannseton.org/ Interment will be at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Cemetery, 1500 South State Road 7, North Lauderdale, FL with a reception following. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Assumption of Our Lady Catholic Church, Lalawigan, Eastern Samar, Philippines via the link below.