Malta, NY- Thomas Anthony Bertino was a gentle, caring and extremely loving husband, father and friend to so many. He left this world and passed peacefully on March 1st, 2022, surrounded by family, at the age of 97.

Thomas was born to Joseph and Madeline Bertino. He graduated from Port Chester High School in 1942. It was at Albright College where "Tom's" football career began where he attended on a football scholarship and earned a Varsity Letter while playing football as a freshman.

Tom was drafted in The Army in July, 1943. He served in Northern Europe as a Medical Technician and played football for the 250 Combat Engineers and received a medical discharge after losing an eye in the war in 1946. Tom graduated with a Bachelor of Science and Master's degree from Teacher's College at Columbia University, N.Y.

Tom had an extraordinary career in athletic coaching. He was appointed Director of Physical Education at Hauppauge High School and is recognized at the Hauppauge High School Hall of Fame. Among some of the numerous awards and accolades Tom received are The Suffolk County Coach of the Year (1960 and 1961), New York Daily News All Stars Coach, (1961), and received the Suffolk County Coaches Association, Frank Mackwich Memorial Award.

Tom retired in 1979 and moved to Saratoga Springs where he and his wife opened The Eddy House Bed & Breakfast. It was there, where their circle of friends grew and guests would stay at their "home away from home" building lifelong friendships. Tom was an avid and exceptional golfer and enjoyed the horses especially when his brother Dr. Joseph Bertino would visit. Tom loved gardening and had the best tomatoes in Saratoga.

Tom is survived by his beloved wife, Barbara Bertino of 53 years and his children, Dr. Carlo La Scala and (Giselle), Lori Ostrowski and (John), Julie Ferrer and (Alfredo), Dr. Roseann Westgate, Serena Hanrahan; grandchildren Anders, Leah, Lucas, Julian La Scala, Elizabeth Ferrer, and Dr. Christopher Westgate. Tom is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

Tom is predeceased by his brother's Frank and Dr. Joseph Bertino. Tom's family extends their heartfelt appreciation and gratitude for the care, concern and friendship given to Tom from Debbie Crammond. They would also like to extend their loving friendship to Faith Fehr.

Relatives and friends may call from 10:30am-11:30am, Tuesday, March 8, 2022 at the William J. Burke & Son/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY (518-584-5373) followed by a funeral home service at 11:30am.

Burial with military honors will take place also on Tuesday at 12:30pm at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, 200 Duell Road, Schuylerville, NY.

Memorial donations in Thomas's name may be made to the Myelodysplastic Syndromes Foundation Inc.: https://www.mds-foundation.org/

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.