Obituary of Joseph C. Bertolaccini

FUNERAL MASS LIVESTREAM LINK HERE

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Joseph Carver Bertolaccini, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend. Joe left us on March 20, 2025, at the age of 89. He spent his final moments at home surrounded by his family.

Born on January 14, 1936, in Rhode Island, Joe was the son of Raymond and Doris Bertolaccini of Pawtucket, Rhode Island. He graduated from North Quincy High School in Massachusetts in 1954, earned his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Northeastern University in 1958, and later, his Master of Science in Civil Engineering (Hydrology) from the University of Connecticut in 1968. He was also a licensed professional engineer. Joe married his wife of 65 years, Eleanor Grace Howlett of Medford, Massachusetts, on November 14, 1959.

In 1974, Joe and Ellie moved with their four children to Brewer, Maine. Joe dedicated most of his professional life to the USDA Soil Conservation Service, retiring in 1991 after 33 years of committed service.

A man of deep faith, Joe was an active member of Saint Paul the Apostle Parish in Bangor and lived out his faith daily with unwavering integrity, passion and generosity. An enthusiastic outdoorsman, Joe was a certified Maine Guide, former president of Trout Unlimited, founding member of the Penobscot Fly Fishers, member of the Downeast Outing Club, and an expert fly fisherman. Joe began tying flies in 1955 and took great joy in teaching the craft to others, especially his children and grandchildren. His life was filled with fishing adventures shared with many fishing buddies, the details of which he loved recounting to family and friends.

Joe cherished time with family, playing games and creating lasting memories with his grandchildren. His fervor for sports extended to local high school teams, which he avidly followed. His legacy of faith, outdoor pursuits, and devotion to family will be fondly remembered by all who knew him.

Joe was a regular columnist for Northwoods Sporting Journal and authored a book on the Fundamentals of Fly Fishing. He often wrote thoughtful, mostly unpublished, letters to the editor of the Bangor Daily News on issues he was passionate about. Though not a “Tim Sample” Mainer, he was a true Mainer at heart, deeply committed to preserving the beauty of Maine and ensuring others could enjoy it as well.

Joe is survived by his beloved wife, Ellie; his children, Steven Bertolaccini and his wife, Debbie; Sandra Babin and her husband, Stephen: Joseph Bertolaccini and his wife, Christine; Amy Bertolaccini and her husband Collin; his cherished grandchildren, Kelly Bertolaccini (spouse, Ned Eskew), Bailey Carver (spouse, Carson), Christy Forbush (spouse, Nikolas), Ryan Babin (spouse, Kristen), Sarah Moore (spouse, Jacob), Corinne Bertolaccini, Kara Cobb (spouse, Ben), Erica Bertolaccini, Ezra Halliday, and Maria Olie; and his nine beloved great-grandchildren: Luciana, Eleonora, Carver, Easton, Grace, Ezekiel, Evelyn, Noelle, and Jeremiah Joseph (JJ). He is also survived by his sister Linda Ellis and her husband Bob. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers-in-law Paul and James Howlett, and grandson Matthew.

Special thanks to his caregiver Terri and Beacon Hospice (especially Mary), whose compassionate care and service allowed Joe to live out his final days in the comfort of his own home.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11:00 AM Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at at St. Paul the Apostle Parish, St. Mary’s Church, 768 Ohio Street, Bangor, Maine where it will be livesteamed from the parish website HERE. Following the service, there will be a graveside committal service at Mount Pleasant Cemetery and a reception at St Mary’s. In lieu of flowers, donations in Joe’s memory can be made to Maine Right to Life, P.O. Box 257, Auburn, Maine, 06121 or HERE or Maine Youth Fish and Game Association P.O. Box 337, Stillwater, ME 04489 or HERE. His memory will live on through the stories we share and he will be deeply missed but never forgotten. Messages and memories may be shared with his family at kileyandfoley.com.