Paul Jerome Bertollo

Paul Jerome Bertollo, age 90, of New Castle, DE, passed away peacefully on July 4, 2025, with his wife, Nancie, by his side. Paul was born on June 20, 1935, in Berwick, Pennsylvania, to the late Emma Margaret Seaman and Francesco “Frank” Bertollo.

In 1955, he married his first love, Peggy Ann (Gipple) Bertollo, and they shared 38 wonderful years together until her passing in 1993. Together, they raised five children. Paul later found love again and married Nancie (Hall) Bertollo. They shared the last 30 years of his life, creating many lasting memories.

Paul enjoyed trips to Knoebels Amusement Park, roller skating, and serving as the family videographer and photographer for countless gatherings. He loved riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle with his wife, Peggy, and was active in family sports leagues and civic associations.

Paul was an accomplished and highly skilled machinist for over 50 years. He possessed strong technical and mechanical skills, along with a deep understanding of materials and machining processes. Over his long adult career, he worked at General Machine, The American Car & Foundry (ACF), F.F. Slocum, Cropper, and Paul’s, Inc. machine shops.

In addition to his parents, Paul was preceded in death by his first wife, Peggy Ann Gipple; his daughter, Laurie Noyes (Michael); his daughter-in-law, Anna (Cara) Bertollo; his stepson, Christopher Sweetman; and his siblings: Edward Louis Bertollo (Margaret), Eleanora Marie Bertollo (John), and Frank John Bertollo.

He is survived by his wife, Nancie (Hall) Bertollo; his brother, James Bertollo (Mary); his children: Maureen Cushing (John), Darlene Bunitsky (Gregg), Paul Bertollo (Ruth), and Anthony Bertollo (Loria); and his stepchildren: Bobby Sweetman and Jamie Sweetman (Victoria). Paul also leaves behind 19 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren.

A service to celebrate Paul’s life will be held on Monday, July 28, 2025, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 1000 North DuPont Parkway, New Castle, DE. Visitors may come between 5:00 and 6:00 p.m., with a service to follow at 6:00 p.m.

A Tribute and Memories from Paul’s Younger Brother, Jim

I, Jim, have many fond memories of my older brother, Paul. Our father, Frank, died in 1948 at the age of 57, leaving Paul—just 13—and me, only 6, to grow up without a father at a time when we needed him the most. Our mother, Emma, was struggling with health issues, and it was a very difficult period for our family. Our older brother, Frank, had left the seminary, attended college, and was also drafted. Our older sister and brother, Eleanor and Edward, already had families and work responsibilities of their own. With so much falling on him, Paul had to grow up quickly. At just 13, he became the man of the house and took on many household and financial responsibilities.

Paul was a hardworking young man from the very beginning. One of his first jobs was setting pins at the bowling alley and delivering newspapers. He also took on various odd jobs in the neighborhood—shoveling snow, cutting grass, and raking leaves. Paul included me in these little ventures, teaching me the value of hard work and responsibility. We even collected leftover coal from the railroad tracks to help heat our house and cook our meals.

Paul was also mechanically gifted. He began working on cars at a young age and developed real skill before even finishing high school. He eventually became a machinist at General Machine and the American Car & Foundry (ACF), gaining expertise that would serve him well for the rest of his life. These early efforts shaped Paul into a self-sufficient, resilient young man.

Paul wasn’t just a provider—he was also a mentor and friend. He encouraged me, supported me through the tough times, and always looked out for me. He bought me my first baseball glove and bat, and even surprised me with a bicycle for my birthday. He took me hunting and fishing, gave me guidance, and most importantly, helped me grow up and stay out of trouble.

Even from a young age, Paul was a caring, giving, and responsible person. His example shaped my life in so many ways.

I couldn’t have asked for a better brother.
Thank you, Paul.

With love,
Jim