It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Walter Robert Bertollo, who peacefully passed away from heart failure on February 12, 2024. He was 74 years of age.

Walt had a welcoming smile, an infectious personality and an ability to connect friends and family with his warmth and charm. He was funny, gregarious and had fierce loyalty to his enormous group of friends and loving family. He will be missed and remembered by the countless lives he touched.


Walt was born on June 22, 1949 in San Francisco to Maria (Mary) Bertollo and Robert
Bertollo, who immigrated from Bassano del Grappa, Italy. He is survived by his beloved wife of 48 years, Maria R. Bertollo, his two daughters and son-in-laws (Stephanie/Jeff Davis) and (Laura/Chris Kershaw). Walt was proud "Nono" to Chloe Rose Davis (15), Robert August Davis (13), Anthony Alan Davis (8) and Siena August Kershaw (1). He is also survived by his sister-in-law Marianne Smith and brother-in-law Mark Smith. He was Uncle Walt to April Smith (Carlos Scown Vazquez) and Aarin Clemons (Zack Clemons).
Although he was an only child, he and his first cousin Giovanni Capovilla grew up
together as brothers. Walt had many close childhood friends whom he considered brothers, and throughout his life, he welcomed in many friends that became family.
After attending All Hallows Catholic School in San Francisco, Walt graduated from Riordan High School 1967. He attended San Francisco State University, where he earned his degree in Business. He was a dedicated and proud San Francisco Fireman for 25 years, as a Lieutenant at Station 41 for much of that time. He was also a realtor for many years in his "spare" time.

Walt never shied away from hard work, but enjoyed playtime as well. He loved to vacation with friends and family, spend time at his Arnold cabin and take in as many Giants and 49ers games as he could. He loved boating, fishing, bocce ball and golf.
His pride watching his daughters mother their children was unequivocal. Another great joy in life was supporting his grandchildren from the sidelines and he was so proud of their incredible talent and passion for their sports. He was known to all as their biggest fan, and would rarely miss an opportunity to cheer them on.

Walt loved cars and was a member of the Golden Gate Street Machines Car Club, where he would proudly show his 1967 Blue GTO convertible at events. He was also a proud member of the Italian American Men's Club, Elks Club, and the Monte Cristo Italian Social Club. Whether it was a crab feed or a cocktail party, Walt enjoyed socializing with friends and rarely forgot specific details of a person's life. He was eager to encourage, ready to listen and always left a lasting, positive impression. His zest for life and unwavering love for his family will never be forgotten.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, February 24, 2024 at St. Charles Catholic Church, 880 Tamarack Avenue, San Carlos, Ca. A private burial with immediate family will take place at the Italian Cemetery in Colma directly following church services.
A public Celebration of Life Reception will follow at the San Mateo Elks Lodge, 229 W. 20th Avenue, San Mateo, California.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please consider making a donation in Walt's honor to the San Francisco Fire Department's Toys for Tots program. Call Union Local 798 at (415) 777-0440 for more information concerning donations in Walt's name or as an alternative, a donation to the Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA (Burlingame). Contact Memorial Gifts at (650) 340-7022, x348 or download a donation form and mail to:
PHS/SPCA, 1450 Rollins Road, Burlingame, CA 94010.