Dan Bertini
elevated gRWwg January 14, 1966 ~ July 24, 2020
elevated gRWwg Funeral Mass
Private – Tuesday August 4, 2020
elevated gRWwg Chapel of St. Joseph- Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home
elevated gRWwg Entombment
elevated gRWwg Holy Cross Catholic CemeteryÂ
elevated gRWwg Obituary
elevated gRWwg It is with profound sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our beloved Dan on Friday July 24, 2020.
elevated gRWwg Dan leaves behind his wife and best friend of Rosy (nee Cece), and his cherished son Zachary.
elevated gRWwg He will be sadly missed by his parents, Giulio and Maria Bertini and his siblings; Fred (Shelly), Mirella, and Cathy (Giampiero) Tagliabue.
elevated gRWwg Although Dan was a proud Canadian, he delightfully enjoyed all of the wonderful charm and delicacies of the Italian culture, especially his roots in Lucca, Tuscany. Dan’s scholastic achievements included graduating from The University of Waterloo with a Bachelor of Science degree (Honours Kinesiology) in 1989, The University of Guelph with a Master of Science in 1992, York University with a Bachelor of Education in 1993, and The University of Toronto’s Faculty of Education in 1994 and 1995 with senior science qualifications that launched his successful teaching career with the York Catholic District School Board (St. Anthony’s Elementary School and St. Joan of Arc High School).Â
elevated gRWwg It was also through his focused education pathway where he met and later married the love of his life, Rosy. On January 24th, 2004, Dan and Rosy welcomed their beautiful son Zachary who remained their greatest achievement and the center of their lives. Dan (“daddy”) was Zachary’s hero as they took turns playing the role of comic superhero characters, collecting Thomas the Tank engines, building countless Lego creations, laughing through endless Seinfeld reruns, cycling together, playing basketball and creating numerous other lasting memories, ending with snuggles and tickles before bed.Â
elevated gRWwg Anyone who knew Dan, “Dan The Man”, quickly realized that under his quiet, intimate and subtle exterior, he was an avid cyclist and cross-country skier. He passionately cooked (from Italian to Indian cuisine), baked, read a wide variety of literature, was entertained by film (Turner and Hooch), nature (especially the daily backyard visits from the chipmunks and baby rabbits), travel, and music (The Beatles). He often frequented the local Tim Horton’s coffee shops with his wife and son for sweets and treats but always returned home to dig into the amazing quality meals he insistently made from scratch.
elevated gRWwg Dan was well known, admired and respected by the cycling and skiing community, several of whom became dear friends he often spoke highly of at home. He regularly indulged in reminiscence describing events with ear to ear smiles, enthusiastically preparing and eagerly waiting for the next day to arrive, to get back on his bike and skies … even if it meant willing the snow to fall and fall faster between seasons. The quality equipment he carefully cared for supported the skillful grace with which he managed the roads and slopes.
elevated gRWwg Dan left a legacy of compassion and love for all of his family and friends, students and colleagues. He will be remembered for his overwhelming generosity, caring heart and sensitive nature.
elevated gRWwg In lieu of flowers, information will be provided for alternate consideration.
elevated gRWwg Due to the circumstances surrounding COVID 19, a private family funeral will take place by invitation only. If you wish to attend the Funeral Mass via webcast, please click Here to View the Funeral Mass
We were profoundly saddened to hear of Dan’s passing. He was our respected colleague and an integral part of our school community. He will be profoundly missed. Our deepest condolences to Dan’s family and dearest friends. Our hearts, thoughts and prayers are with you.
My deepest condolences to Dan’s family. He was a respected colleague and an inspirational teacher who touched many lives. He will be greatly missed by our school community. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Dan…you went from a colleague from a friend in the matter of days, and in the 10 years that I’ve known you, you’ve become a great friend.
The thought of walking into our workroom at 7 AM and you not coming in right behind me at 7:15, looking into your classroom from mine through the window and not having you there, sitting next to an empty seat at lunch, and moving through a school year without you in general breaks my heart down to its core. I can’t even imagine what your family is going through now, and to them I offer my deepest and most sincere condolences.
There will always be tremendous memories Dan…memories that will briefly put a smile on my face in between the tears and sadness, and those memories I am so thankful.
Rest in peace Bertini…serenity now (couldn’t go an entire message without a Seinfeld reference)
Deepest condolences to all Dan’s family and friends.
He was an amazing colleague and teacher, and he will be truly missed.
My big brother. The first memory I have of you was when I was 3 or 4. I’m left handed and I was colouring with crayons and you kept insisting I use my right hand. Well, guess what I’m still left handed. You didn’t get your way on that one! throughout my life, you’ve astounded me over and over again. Your perseverance and strength amaze me. Your kind soul fills me with light and love now. I’m so sad that I’ll never see you enter a room again, but I’ll carry you through each door in my heart. I love you so much “Dan the Man”. Walk with me as I make my way through life. I’ll be better for it.
Please accept our sincerest sympathies. Our hearts ache for you. We wish you hope in the midst of your sorrow, and comfort in the midst of your pain. As you go through this difficult time, remember that you are loved. xxxx
Dear Dan,
Although I didn’t get the opportunity to really know you, I am forever grateful that I came to know you. My first time I met you was in the staff room during lunch. Each time I’d see you there,
I would gaze over at your amazing lunch.
I would drive by you regularly on your way to work, or would meet you at school, bringing in your bike to class; we would briefly exchange our morning salutations, maybe a little joke, before starting the day.
I admired your energy, your brilliant scientific mind, your gentleness and dedication to your students.
I will miss you Dan.
Rest In Peace.
Prayers and Condolences to your wife, son and all of your extended family.🙏🏻
I worked with Dan many years ago at St.Joan of Arc. I always had the utmost respect for him and appreciated his fun sense of humour. I am so saddened to hear of his tragic death. My deepest condolences to Dan’s family and friends.
My sincere condolences to the entire Bertini family. Dan was an excellent colleague at Saint Joan and always had a warm and sincere smile every time he’d meet you . Dan, you will be truly missed by all your friends and colleagues. Rest in eternal peace my friend,
I met Dan at SJA when I worked as an Educational Assistant and often as myself would arrive at school on our bikes. Ride strong in heaven as you did here on earth♥️
Dan, I only knew you for a short time, but even in this short time it was evident how integral you were to the St. Joan community. I am still in shock that we will not be seeing you in September.
To your family, please accept my deepest condolences. May Dan’s memory live within you forever.
Our deepest condolences to Rosy, Zachary and the Bertini family. Thinking of you always. Our prayers are with you and your family.
Our deepest condolences on your loss. . Our thoughts and prayers are with
you and your Family.
It is with a very saddened heart that we wish the Bertini Family our deepest condolences for your profound loss. It is very obvious Dan was very much loved and admired by many and his memory will live on. Our thoughts are with you.
I had the pleasure of meeting Dan over 40 years ago when I coached the boy’s basketball team during my first teaching assignment at St.Mary Immaculate School in Richmond Hill. A strong friendship began and continued to this day with Dan and the Bertini family.My family and I have many fond memories of sharing meals, making pesto and more with Dan and the Bertini family. We will miss Dan’s presence but he will never be forgotten. Gary, Vicky and Sophia Augustynek
It is difficult to find the right words when you want to pay tribute to an incredible man like Dan. I have 17 years of fond memories teaching Science with him at SJA. Dan had a brilliant mind and the students loved him. He truly cared about them and expected them to always do their best. He was a man of his word and lived by his values. He always put others before him. I can’t remember a time Dan didn’t hold the door open for me and others around him. Such a small gesture but it speaks volumes to his selflessness and caring personality. I remember being pregnant and wondering how I would carry a heavy box of homeroom materials up to my classroom. To my surprise, when I went to pick up the box it wasn’t there. Dan had already brought it up for me. That was the kind of man he was, always thinking of others. I will miss eating lunch with him
daily (and wishing I was eating his home made gourmet lunch :), our many conversations in the science workroom and all the laughs we had together. They say your colleagues become a second family and I have to say that this is true for us in the science department. My sincere condolences to Rosy, Zachary, his parents, siblings, extended family and friends. Zachary, know that your dad loved you so much. His eyes would light up whenever he spoke of you. Rest In Peace my dear friend.
My dear, sweet baby brother that loved everyone with his heart and soul. You were a great inspiration for my children, Scott, Jenny and Michael. You have left a huge hole in our lives. You are going to live on in Brayden and Emma, both of my grandchildren that you loved so much. I don’t know how I’m going to carry on without you. I love you so much….
I am so sorry to hear this tragic news. I worked with his wife for 6 years at St. Joseph R.H.
My condolences go out to her, Zachery, family, and friends.
He will be greatly missed.
I first met Dan through Fred during grade 9. You were a quiet, gentle soul with a brilliant mind. R.I.P. my friend. Sending my condolences to Dan’s wife, son and all of the Bertini family.
Heartfelt condolences to the entire family.
May his soul RIP.
It is difficult to find the right words when you want to pay tribute to an incredible man like Dan. I have 17 years of fond memories teaching Science with him at SJA. Dan had a brilliant mind and the students loved him. He truly cared about them and expected them to always do their best. He was a man of his word and lived by his values. He always put others before him. I can’t remember a time Dan didn’t hold the door open for me and others around him. Such a small gesture but it speaks volumes to his selflessness and caring personality. I remember being pregnant and wondering how I would carry a heavy box of homeroom materials up to my classroom. To my surprise, when I went to pick up the box it wasn’t there. Dan had already brought it up for me. That was the kind of man he was, always thinking of others. I will miss eating lunch with him (and wishing I was eating his home made gourmet lunch :), our many conversations in the science workroom and all the laughs we had together. They say your colleagues become a second family and I have to say that this is true for us in the science department. My sincere condolences to Rosy, Zachary, his parents, siblings, extended family and friends. Zachary, know that your dad loved you so much. His eyes would light up whenever he spoke of you. Rest In Peace my dear friend.
My sincere condolence to the Bertini Family. Dan was a beautiful friend and colleague at Saint Joan of Arc. Dan I will miss our talks during lunch. R. I. P. my friend.
Deepest condolences to the Bertini family. I skied with Dan for many years at Hardwood Ski and Bike. We often did our long skis (3 hours) together on Sundays. I got to hear about Dan’s unique perspective of the world (always from a position of science). Afterwards I often got to enjoy the baking and treats he would bring to our after ski lunches. I am devastated by this senseless loss for a truly wonderful man with so much to live for.
Dan – My time working with you was so short, but you left a lasting impact on my heart. I will miss our chats, and I will forever cherish my time spent next to you as your desk buddy and your planning time pal. I am so thankful I got the chance to work at SJA and be a part of the amazing science department. Whenever I see a cyclist on the road, I will think of you and your love for the sport. Seinfeld jokes will never be the same now. Rest In Peace my dear friend. My thoughts and prayers with your family during this difficult time.
So heartwarming to read the messages of love for you, Dan. May the God of all consolation be with your family and friends as they say their final goodbyes on this most sorrowful day.
What a beautiful soul.
Dan, you will be missed by us all at St. Joan. I will remember our cafeteria duty and your endearing smile with great fondness.
Rest in peace.
My dear friend Dan, I have had the most absolute blessing in having you in my life. I have worked with you for 13 years and you have become family to me. Your heart was full of gold and you put everyone before yourself. You have taught me to be a better person and teacher. I have had the pleasure of sitting beside you at lunch for the last 13 years and have had many preps with you: our discussions, our laughs, our memories will forever be cherished.
You ALWAYS held the door open for me even if that meant waiting until I came from across the hall. You were a great man Dan, you will be a piece of my heart forever. My prayers and thoughts go out to Rosy, Zachary and Dan’s siblings and Parents. You (We) have lost a great man way too soon.
I don’t know Dan if I can live up to your coffee making at work, I know you banned me from making it – I’ll try to make it a good cup for you !!
I love you Dan. I miss you and my life will not ever be the same. Rest In Peace my dear friend.
To Rosie Zachary, the parents, siblings and family of Dan Bertini. First and foremost, I would like to express my deepest and sincerest condolences for the loss of your beloved Dan. Zachary please know your dad loved and continues to love you very much; everytime we asked about you at work his face lit up!
We have tragically lost an exceptional man but memories of Dan will continue to resonate amongst all who knew him personally and even those who knew simply of him.
Dan was a colleague and a friend I’ve had the honour of working with for the past 17 years in the science department at Saint Joan of arc high school.
Dan’s classroom is next-door to mine and I will always remember how every day three times a day at the beginning of each period, he would stand at his door to greet each of his students and always with a smile. I remember when Dan and I were ever in the hallway together, students would make it a point to always say hello to “Bertini” even if it meant shouting across the other end of a very long hallway. Students respected him and loved him not only because he was a phenomenal science teacher but because he was a lovely human being.. Dan was also so knowledgeable about science – I remember anytime I had a question about physics content I’d run over next door, and Dan would be there to answer. In our department we like to celebrate and eat cake – it is a tradition to purchase a birthday cake for the teacher celebrating their birthday after our own. I was so lucky to have a birthdate that followed Dan’s. He would make from scratch a heavenly (no pun intended) rustic apple pie and caramel sauce accompanied by vanilla flavored Hagen Dazs ice cream for all of us to enjoy! Thank you Dan. Dear Dan, as you know our SJA science department is a family and we lost you way too soon – we are going to miss you so so much Dan, but we promise your memory will be kept alive at SJA for a very very long time. Affectionately, Rina Romano
Dear Mrs. Cece and Zachary,
My heartfelt condolences go to you both on the passing of your husband and father. I can’t imagine how shocking this must have been for you both. God bless you both as you grieve for your loss, and God bless Mr. Bertini.
M. Thompson
Guidance Counsellor
Our Lady Queen of the World Catholic Academy
Danny, on behalf of Mom and Dad, Mirella, myself and Cathy, we have lost our family anchor, the man who kept everything together for so long. We love you and will miss you to the end of time.
Dear Danny,
6 months has passed since you were taken from this world that needed you so very much. Not a day has passed that I haven’t had words with you, I see you in front of me but nowhere to be found. I miss you more than anything in this world Dan. I love you and will never forget you. Your brother.