Walter D Bertrand

Walter Doucette Bertrand, 95, of Southington, Connecticut passed away peacefully at his home on August 28, 2022, with his wife of 70 years Beatrice at his side and surrounded by family members.  Walter was born in West Warwick, Rhode Island on November 6, 1926, to Doloris D. Bertrand and Walter E. Bertrand. 

 He began his military service when he enlisted on October 6, 1944, into the U.S Navy Active Reserves as a Seabee and served through the end of World War ll.  He re-enlisted during the Korean Conflict.   He received an honorable discharge on June 8, 1952.   Walter was never drafted; he always volunteered. His legacy as part of the Greatest Generation will live in our hearts always. 

 Walter began his career with the New York State Corrections Department as a uniformed corrections officer and advanced into administration retiring as a Regional Occupational Training Supervisor in a career that spanned over 30 years.  

Walter had deep roots in Masonry.   He became a Master Mason in 1989, raised in the Croton Lodge #368 where he then advanced to Master of the Lodge. He was instrumental in re-establishing and acquiring a building for Croton Lodge on Church St in Carmel, NY in the early 1990s.   He then became a 32nd Degree Mason in the Scottish Rite. He later received his 33rd Degree which is an honor not bestowed among many Masons. His fellow brothers will miss him.

It was in the U.S Army Air Force where Walter met his wife, Beatrice. Walter and Beatrice were married for 70 years. He is survived by his children Walter Bertrand Jr, Kim Bertrand, and his son-in-law Philip Guttridge. Walter has 4 grandchildren: Aaron Svedlow, Heather Serfass, David Svedlow, Jesse Bertrand and nine great-grandchildren. 

Walter designed and built his family home in Stormville, NY.  Walter and Bea hosted his brother-in-law and sister-in-law for many summers, school vacations, and weekends at his home in Stormville.  He was a father to many.  

There will be a Military funeral on October 1st, at 11:00 at the State Veterans Cemetery, 317 Bow Lane, Middletown, Ct.               

Immediately following the ceremony there will be a memorial luncheon in Southington, Ct. at The Manhattan Restaurant, 16 Eden Ave. Southington, Ct.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Walter D Bertrand, please visit our floral store.