Joseph J. Berte DDS FACP USAF Col. Ret

Col. Joseph J. Berté, DDS, FACP, USAF Ret., 80, of San Antonio, TX, peacefully passed from this life on Sunday, March 13, 2011, at North Central Baptist Hospital. The Lord mercifully and lovingly opened his arms and called him Home to begin The Greatest Journey Of All. During his last days, he was constantly surrounded by the warmth and love of his family, friends, and favorite nurse, Jackie Kuehl.

Joseph Berté was born July 4th, 1930, in Brooklyn, NY. He met his future wife, Marian Hansen, while attending Spring Hill College in Mobile, AL, and told her—on their first date—that they would marry, have six children, and travel the world.

In 1953, he graduated from Spring Hill, married Marian, joined the U.S. Army, and began a tour of duty in Korea. After returning from Korea, Joseph attended Georgetown University School of Dentistry and thereafter began his distinguished 30-year career with the U.S. Air Force.

Col. Berté proudly served his Country at military bases in the U.S., France, Germany and Japan. During his military service, Col. Berté furthered his professional education by attending Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, where he was named a Fellow of the American College of Prosthodontists. His military decorations include: Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, and U.N. Service Medal.

Dr. Berté is survived by Marian, his beloved wife and best friend of 57 years; brother John; children Catherine, Susan, Dr. Elizabeth Chambers, Lt. Col. Joseph III USAF, Ret. and Laura Sherwin; grandchildren Jason, Michele, Joseph IV, Samantha, Madison, Camaryn, Jarred and Joshua; and dearest friends Jerry and Alice Slaughter.

Dr. Berté was welcomed Home by his father Joseph Sr., his mother Catherine, stepmother Veronica, and brother Stephen.

Joseph Berté wore many hats during his life. He was a devoted Husband, loving Father, caring Doctor, loyal Brother, proud Son, brave Soldier, gifted Painter, skilled Craftsman, model Shipwright, inspired Educator, and devout Roman Catholic. He loved his Marian, his wonderful family, his dear friends, our great Country, and God. He kept all the promises he ever made to his beloved Marian on their first date: they were married, had five children—plus his "adopted" daughter Joni Berté—and traveled the world. And most of all, he did it his way.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 17, 2011, at Porter Loring Mortuary North.

REQUIEM MASS

WITH FULL MILITARY HONORS

FRIDAY, MARCH 18, 2011

11:00 A.M.

ST. MARK THE EVANGELIST CATHOLIC CHURCH

1602 THOUSAND OAKS