He was born in Somerville, Massachusetts on September 16, 1921, the son of Rev. Howard E. and Naomi Hood. Bert served for 25 years in the U.S. Air Force. During that time, he fought in three wars. He was awarded many theater ribbons, the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal, and Unit Decorations, U.S. Presidential Citation, Republic of Korea Presidential Citation, and the French Croix de Guerre. He finished his career in the 1st Air Commando Wing.
While he was stationed at the McCoy Air Force Base in Orlando, Bert met a pretty German girl, Ottilie “Tilly” Schneider, fell in love and married her. They were married for 61 years. Bert was devoted to Tilly until she died in January 2017. Regrettably, they had no children.
Bert was a Shriner for nearly fifty years, serving as Potentate’s Aid for seven years and President of the Bahia Shrine Greeters.
Bert was interested in growing roses and became president of The Greater Orlando Rose Society. He worked closely with Tom MacCubbin, then Orange County Extension Agent. In his spare time, Bert like to paint. His artwork appeared in many local exhibits and, for a time, he was president of The Artist’s League of Orange County.
Bert taught at SeniorNet, an organization that teaches computers to senior citizens. He was one of a handful of seniors who started a chapter at the Marks Street Senior Center in Orlando in 1996. Bert also spent many years with AARP, as a Chapter President and as Associate State Coordinator for Community Operations.
Bert was always interested in learning something new. He and Tilly were long-time members of Learning Institute for Elders (LIFE) at UCF.
Bert lived a life of light-hearted humor. He said it was the secret to getting over the speed bumps on the road of life.
Contributions in memory of Bert and Tilly may be made to the Orlando Lutheran Towers Foundation or LIFE at UCF.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18