P. Richard "Dick" Bertram, 90, Altoona, died early Sunday morning at Altoona Regional Health System, Altoona Hospital Campus. He was born in Altoona, son of the late Chalmer M. "Whitey" and Elsie L. (Ross) Bertram. He married Ella Louise "Lou" Smith Nov. 4, 1944, in Greenville, S.C. She preceded him in death Dec. 3, 2001. Surviving are three children: Paul R. Jr. (Marsha R.) of Casselberry, Fla., Charles M. of Tallahassee, Fla., and Nancy Stefanini (Jerrold) of Altoona; three grandchildren: Jessica Bertram, Lyndsey Lawson and husband, Chad, and Matthew Stefanini; three stepgrandchildren; three stepgreat-grandchildren; and a brother, Jack of Ruckersville, Va. He was preceded in death by a brother, Russell. Mr. Bertram was a U.S. Army Air Corps veteran, graduating from B-25 Mechanic School, and his unit was backup for the Doolittle Raid. He was the founder and president of Alto Printing Co. until his retirement in 1985. He was an active member of the Mardorf United Methodist Church. Dick was a member of the American Business Club and served on the founding board of directors of the Railroaders Memorial Museum. He was a longtime resident of Juniata Gap and a member of the Juniata Gap Volunteer Fire Co. He was also a member of Hiram Lodge 616 F&AM, Mountain Commandery 10, and a life member of the Jaffa Shrine Center, joining in May 1956, and he was recently presented a 50-year service pin. He was a member of the Jaffa Oriental Band, Hillbilly Clan 74, and Altoona Shrine Club, served as a Potentate's Aide, and served on numerous Jaffa committees. He was editor emeritus of the Jaffa Journal, having served as the editor for over 35 years. He was an active member of Altoona Court 70, Royal Order of Jesters; Colotic Miztli 91, Order of Quetzalcoatl; and the Jaffa Bowling League. Dick enjoyed tinkering with wood refinishing and also enjoyed bowling. In his youth, he attained the rank of Eagle Scout. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, July 22, 2009, and 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday, July 23, 2009, at Myers-Somers Funeral Home Inc., 501 Sixth Ave., Altoona, where a Masonic funeral service will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home with the Rev. Edward J. Preston officiating. Interment will be at Alto-Reste Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children, c/o Jaffa Shrine, P.O. Box 1984, Altoona, PA 16603, or to the Alzheimer's Association, 3544 N. Progress Ave., Suite 205, Harrisburg, PA 17110-9638.

Altoona Mirror, Tuesday, July 21, 2009