Bertrand Bersch

Bertrand Bersch, 89, of Waldwick, NJ passed away on June 6, 2025. He was born in Paterson and lived in Nutley before moving to Waldwick 55 years ago.   

Bert was an accomplished high school basketball player and was able to complete college studies through a sports scholarship at Seton Hall of Paterson. After college, he joined the Marines. During the 4 years he served, he was promoted to 1st lieutenant. Before attaining a Masters Degree in Education at William Paterson College, he studied and discerned at Maryknoll seminary. When Bert found his calling, it was as husband and father, teacher and coach. In later years, he gave back to the community in various ways as both a coach and mentor, including a decade of service at Street2street where he dedicated himself to the growth and well-being of the young people of his hometown of Paterson.   

He is survived by his children Eric, Andrew, and Keith; daughters-in-law Lyschel and Katherine; grandchildren Siena, Tehya, Evelyn, Ethan, and Vincent;  Eric’s partner of 9 years, Linda Wicks, and his own partner of 19 years, Anne Schimmel.   

He was predeceased by his brothers, Ray and Phil, and his wife of 33 years, Kathleen.   

The family will receive friends on June 17th from 2pm to 4pm and 6pm to 8pm at the Vander Plaat Funeral Home, www.vpfh.com (http://www.vpfh.com/), 257 Godwin Ave. Wyckoff, NJ.     

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated June 18th at 10 am at the Church of the Nativity 315 Prospect St, Midland Park, NJ.   

Interment will follow at Maryrest Cemetery.   

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to Strret2street at Ways to Give — Street 2 Street (https://street2street.com/give)

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