elevated QeNQ5 January 14, 1966 ~ July 24, 2020

elevated QeNQ5 Funeral Mass
Private – Tuesday August 4, 2020

elevated QeNQ5 Chapel of St. Joseph- Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home

elevated QeNQ5 Entombment

elevated QeNQ5 Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery 

elevated QeNQ5 Obituary

elevated QeNQ5 It is with profound sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our beloved Dan on Friday July 24, 2020.

elevated QeNQ5 Dan leaves behind his wife and best friend of Rosy (nee Cece), and his cherished son Zachary.

elevated QeNQ5 He will be sadly missed by his parents, Giulio and Maria Bertini and his siblings; Fred (Shelly), Mirella, and Cathy (Giampiero) Tagliabue.

elevated QeNQ5 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). 

elevated QeNQ5 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. 

elevated QeNQ5 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 QeNQ5 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 QeNQ5 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 QeNQ5 In lieu of flowers, information will be provided for alternate consideration.

elevated QeNQ5 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