Bertram P. Samerdyke

Bertram Bert P. Samerdyke, 77, of Rockford, died Thursday, July 14, 2011 at Provena St. Anne Care Center. Born March 30, 1934 in Cleveland, Ohio the son of Bert and Stephanie Samerdyke. Graduate of Cleveland State University and John Carroll University in Ohio. Married his loving wife, Paula M. Steber on June 22, 1963. Bert worked for Borg Warner from 1956 - 1972 and then went on to work for Hamilton-Sundstrand as an Aeronautic Engineer from 1972 until his retirement in 1999. A faithful member of Holy Family Catholic Church and the Holy Family Choir. Berts biggest hobby, besides his family, was singing. nbsp;He was a member of Rock Valley Community Choral, Rockford Choral Union and sang with the Mendelson Choir with the Rockford Symphony. nbsp;His greatest nbsp;joys in life were singing at the Vatican for the Canonization of Padre Pio with the church choir and singing at Carnegie Hall with the Rock Valley College Community Choral. nbsp;He is also a former member of the Society of Automotive Engineers. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to OSF Cancer Center, Dr. Korkmaz and Megan and the staff at Provena St. Anne Care Center for all of their wonderful care and support.

Survivors include his loving wife of 48 years, Paula of Rockford; children, Mary (Jeff Pines) Samerdyke of Chicago, Julia Samerdyke of Rockford and Paul (Rachel) Samerdyke of Portage, WI; sister-in-law, Constance (Louis) DeLuca of Euclid, OH; brother-in-law, Richard Visocan of Aurora, OH; niece, Linda Mae Gabriel; nephew, David (Cathy) Visocan; great niece, Meri Gabriel and numerous additional friends and family. Preceded in death by his parents and sister-in-law, Janet Visocan.

Funeral Mass Monday, July 18 at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church, 4401 Highcrestnbsp; Rd. nbsp;with Rev. Bernie Sehr officiating. Visitation from 9:30 until time of prayer at 10:45 at the church. Entombment in Calvary Catholic Cemetery, Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers memorials in his name to the Rockford Choral Union or to Poor Claresnbsp; Corpus Christi Monastery. Express online condolences at: www.fitzgeraldfh.com

nbsp;