William Aldo
Bertolas
William Aldo Bertolas
1944 – 2026
Bill was transformed by God on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at the age of 81. Cherished brother of Margaret (Ronald) Meyers. Loving uncle of Jennifer (Daniel) Meehan, Rebecca (Jason) Althouse, Christine Bertolas, and Paul (Sheila) Bertolas. Dear great-uncle of Samuel Meehan, Madeline Meehan, James Meehan, Lydia Althouse, Charlee Althouse, and Davey (Corey) Florence. Dear friend of Peter Strunk. He is further survived by many other beloved relatives and friends.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents Aldo and Madeline (Manna) Bertolas, his brother David and sister-in-law Patricia Bertolas and his great-niece Darla Neff.
Bill loved life and had an insatiable curiosity about almost all things. He was truly a Renaissance man. He was a gifted musician, an incredible cook and an inquisitive world traveler. He was drawn to and embraced different cultures and spoke several languages. During his lifetime, he taught and worked in various parts of the country. Whether teaching high school at St. Joan Antida (Milwaukee) and Bishop Kelly High School (Pennsylvania) or working in various office positions in Wisconsin, Washington, California or Idaho, music was always his passion. He sang in choirs and churches–regardless of denomination or language–wherever he lived and had a beautiful voice. He wrote liturgical music accompaniments for several monastic communities.
Bill’s family and friends were the most important and meaningful part of his life which he himself described as a “most full, happy, ridiculous, humorous, holy and God-filled life”.
We would like to thank the many doctors and health care workers who treated Bill over the past years which were filled with many challenges. We also give special thanks to the staff at Horizon Hospice Center in Ozaukee, who provided loving care not only to Bill but to our family.
His funeral mass will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, January 17, 2026 at Saints Peter & Paul Church 2490 N Cramer Street, Milwaukee, WI 53211
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Covenant House, an organization that supports homeless youth, at https://www.covenanthouse.org
What a lovely tribute to the cherished Uncle Billy ! He has lived a very full life and made a big impact on all that he encountered along the way . This is a huge loss that will be felt by all of us with his presence. Prayers for all of you in this journey.
What a beautiful person! I am so glad I had the privilege of knowing Bill and experiencing his cooking and music. He will be missed.
Dear Marge ,
We are saddened to learn of the passing of your beloved Billy. You often spoke of him with loving humor and even a touch of exasperation, so reminding me of my own relationship with my brother.
Billy ‘s obituary certainly revealed a life of purpose, dedication and meaning. His many interests showed why you referred to him as a “Renaissance Man.”
May you find comfort in the loving memories you hold in your heart.
Our love and prayers are with you.
Peter and Barb
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Caro “zio Bill”, as always you were addressed in our family, rest in peace. Zio Bill met our family many years ago, assisting another a family Member during his fight against cancer and, since then and almost immediately, he was part of the family as another relative. As Margaret said, Bill was a Renaissance man (perfect definition) and Italy was his second country because the attitude Bill had for every art expression, music above all. When he was at our home, it was like having a hurricane turning around you, always looking for something to do or someone to meet or some place to visit. . He adored Italy and our family adored him even if we all needed some rest after his visit (but immediately waiting for his next arrival). We’ll miss you, zio Bill and, on behalf of my family, I send a big big hug to all the Bertolas and to our dear friend Peter. Francesco, Olivia, Luca and Riccardo Torchia.
Bill was my friend for nearly 60 years from the moment i met him at a folk festival in Denver where he was dancing with the Serbian group and I was a member of the Oinkari Basque dancers. Our friendship grew to the point that he moved to Boise and got a job teaching at Bishop Kelly High School (Idaho). He was a regular fixture at our dinner table and would often lift the lids of whatever was cooking to get “the full experience”. He learned to make many Basque dishes from my mother and grandmother.
To say that Bill was a gifted musician is an understatement. He learned many Basque songs and played the pipe organ at St. John’s Cathedral for my wedding to my husband Mark. We kept in touch even after he left Boise and I cherished his phone calls and letters in his beautiful script. He visited us and stayed in our home, cooking, of course, for friends and family.
Rest in peace, my dear friend. Now you have your wish. You can see God.