Richard Joseph Bertuola Jr

Richard Joseph “Birddog” Bertuola, Jr., 64, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Friday,
March 6, 2026.

Born on July 29, 1961, in Hazleton, he was the son of the late Richard J. Bertuola, Sr. and
Kathleen (Melfi) Bertuola. Richard was a member of Our Lady of Peace Parish, at the Church of
Our Lady of Grace in Hazleton.

Rich was a loving son, brother, father, and grandfather whose life was defined by his dedication
to family, his passions, and the many relationships he built over the years.

A 1979 graduate of Hazleton High School, Rich continued his education at Bloomsburg
University before later enrolling at Beaver College, now known as Arcadia University. He
eventually found his professional calling in financial planning and spent nearly 26 successful
years with Ameriprise Financial. Through his work, Rich helped countless clients work toward
financial stability and achieve their long-term goals.

Sports were a lifelong passion for Rich, particularly wrestling and football. During his school
years he competed as both a wrestler and football player, and he remained a devoted fan of
collegiate wrestling, especially Big Ten competition. His love for sports also extended to
coaching, as he dedicated several years to mentoring young athletes in Pee Wee football and
elementary wrestling.

Rich was also a proud Third Degree member of Carbon Lodge No. 242, Free and Accepted
Masons, Jim Thorpe. He believed deeply in the organization’s values and often spoke about its
mission and principles in his everyday life.

Music brought Rich tremendous joy throughout his life. He was an avid fan and collector of
Grateful Dead music, gathering albums, apparel, and bootleg concert recordings. His passion for
the band took him to well over 100 concerts across the country, and their music remained a daily
part of his life from the time he discovered them in the early 1970s.

He was preceded in death by his loving parents, Richard and Kathleen Bertuola.

He is survived by his former wife, Janice (Flynn) Bertuola; his sons, Joseph Bertuola and his
wife Angeline, and Dylan Bertuola and his fiancée Amanda Ketusky; and his cherished
grandchildren, Giada and Lorenzo. He is also survived by his sisters and brothers-in-law, Lisa
and Julius “Fish” Zucatti, and RoseAnne and Matt Karpowicz.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 13, at the Joseph B. Conahan Funeral Home,
Hazleton. A viewing will take place Friday morning from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the funeral
home. A prayer service will follow at 11:00 a.m., followed by a Masonic service conducted by
members of Carbon Lodge No. 242, Free and Accepted Masons of Jim Thorpe.

Interment will be held privately at Our Lady of Grace Cemetery, Hazleton, at a later date.

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