Herman Pbert
Herman Pbert Tribute
Herman Pbert, 97, of North Grosvenordale, CT, died peacefully in his home on November 22, 2023. He was the beloved husband of the late Amelia Pbert, and son of the late Ben and Anna (Yon Titapillolo) Peraldo Bert.
Born in the picturesque town of Piedicavallo, Italy, nestled in the Italian Alps, Herman's early life was filled with the beauty of the mountains and the love of his parents and two brothers and sister. In the Alps, he embraced an active lifestyle, engaging in hiking, running, skiing, and nurturing his passion for nature. His love for the outdoors shaped his character, and he later carried this passion across continents and through the chapters of his remarkable life.
Though trained as a construction engineer in Europe like his forefathers, Herman’s indomitable spirit led him to join the Italian resistance during World War II and later serve in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. In his 20’s, he immigrated to America, where he became the maître d' at Villa Victor in Long Island, New York, regaling stories of hosting Hollywood stars like John Wayne, Elizabeth Taylor, and Zsa Zsa Gabor. Later, Herman and friends became the managing partners of Treasure Island Resort in Webster, Massachusetts on Webster Lake (locally known as Lake Chargoggagoggmanchauggagoggchaubunagungamaugg), where he continued to enchant guests with his renowned hospitality.
Herman and Amelia's love story spanned 60 years until her passing in 2016. Together, they raised their two children, Gary and Lori, on a farm in North Grosvenordale, a testament to Herman's ability to pivot and embrace change. He transitioned from the hospitality industry to farming and masonry, later venturing into wholesale sales of meat provisions until his well-deserved retirement. This new lifestyle in CT fit Herman’s passion for nature and living off the land, where he shared his deep appreciation for all that nature has to offer and his strong work ethic with his children.
A true Renaissance man, Herman excelled in art, engineering, and the ability to build or repair anything. His generosity knew no bounds, as he willingly offered his time and skills to friends and neighbors. Herman embodied the belief that with determination, one could achieve anything, always respecting and appreciating the abilities of others.
Outdoors, Herman found solace and joy, whether hiking, fishing, skiing, or working the land. He created lasting memories with family and friends at Buckhorn Camp in Maine, and his love for travel took him and Amy deep-sea fishing off the coast of Florida, to the island of Sardinia, and on annual trips to visit his brother Nilo in Italy and Isauro in Brazil. The running joke was his children never knew where they were, off on another adventure.
A man of deep compassion and joy, Herman touched the lives of everyone he encountered. His genuine interest in others and selfless nature left a lasting impression. He truly made everyone he encountered, even those he met for only a brief time, feel like they were the most important and special person. A friend beautifully captured Herman's essence: "He elegantly walked that challenging and fine line of being a strong and brave man and also being a gentleman in every sense of the word."
Herman is predeceased by his loving wife, who he undoubtedly is on another adventure with, Amelia Tonini Pbert, as well as his siblings, Nilo, Isauro, and Iola Peraldo Bert.
He is survived by his children, Gary Bert and Lori Pbert; grandchildren, Jillian Bert Barton, Emily Etzel Meyer, and David Etzel; great grandchild, Hannah Barton; many cousins and extended family; and so many friends and people whose lives Herman has touched over the years.
Herman lived by his mottos that resonated with those close to him: Live life to the fullest, appreciate those around you and be sure they know how much you value and love them, and hike every mountain and do what you can while you can because some day you will not be able to – life is short and precious. His legacy is a testament to a life lived with love, compassion, and joy—a life that inspires us all to hike every mountain and embrace the precious moments that make life truly meaningful. These are lessons we can all learn and live by.
Services for Herman are private to his family and close friends. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donation be made in Herman’s honor to the VA of Connecticut in West Haven (which can be made following this link: https://www.pay.gov/public/form/start/52253675/). The Cremation Society of New England is honored to have been entrusted with Herman’s final care and arrangements.
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