John Bertot, Jr

John B. Bertot, Jr.

Age 87 of Coal City, passed away Thursday morning April 23, 2009 at Heritage Manor in Dwight.

Born November 14, 1921 in Coal City, John was a son of the late John B., Sr. and Jennie Benedetto-Bertot. He was raised and educated in Coal City and was a veteran of the United States Army, having served in the amphibian group throughout the Philippines during World War II. On March 3, 1946 John married Cele Bates in Assumption Catholic Church in Coal City and together they resided in Coal City their entire married life. Cele preceded John in death on August 22, 2008. After John's tour of duty in the service he worked road construction and farmed prior to gaining employment with UniRoyal, from where he retired in 1983. John was known for his love of gardening and he enjoyed traveling, spending time with his family, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Survivors include his daughter Diane (Steve) Eartly of Coal City; three granddaughters: Deanne (Scott) Friddle, Stacie Eartly and Katie Eartly, all of Coal City; three great grandchildren: Austin, Alex and Lilliauna; one sister Marge (the late Ken) Wills of Coal City; four sisters-in-law: Evelyn (the late Chuck) Sudyam, Yolanda (the late Don) Valiente, Delores (Bill) Swanson and Josephine (the late Joe) Bates, all of Coal City, as well as numerous nieces and nephews including a special niece: Darlene Palmer of Joliet.

John was preceded in death by his parents, son John B. Bertot, III, wife Cele, two brothers: Jim and Andrew Bertot; two sisters: Louisa Vilt and Marie Metzke-Riccolo and one sister-in-law Lois (Carl "Butch") Manietta.

Visitation and Video Tribute will be held Friday April 24, 2009 between the hours of 5:00PM and 8:00PM at Reeves Funeral Home, 75 North Broadway (one block North of Illinois Route 113) in Coal City.

Funeral Services will follow on Saturday April 25th at 10:00AM in Assumption Catholic Church in Coal City, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated with Reverend Ron Hart Officiating.

Burial will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery in Braidwood with acting pallbearers: Joe Metzke, Doug Wills, Danny Anderson, Harold Ryan, Scott Friddle and Chuck Valiente a�" and honorary pallbearers: Bill Hicks and Michael "Spikes" Ercegovich.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in John's memory to his family for distribution to local charities of their choosing.

Friends may sign the online guest book or send private condolences to the family by logging onto: www.ReevesFuneral.com

Funeral service and arrangements are being made under the direction of Reeves Funeral Homes, Ltd. in Coal City (815/634-2125)