Joseph Eugene "Papa Joe" Berta
Joseph Eugene Berta passed away on April 7, 2017. He was born in Boulder, Colorado, on April 1, 1924, to Joe and Eunice (Siscoe) Berta.
Joe attended Brookside schools and graduated from the Holy Cross Abbey. On October 19, 1946, he married Lena Josephine Angone, the love of his life, at St. Benedict’s Church in Florence. Together they raised eight children. Joe was a loving and devoted husband, a wise and cherished father and grandfather, a wonderful brother, a loyal friend, and a respected businessman. He was a faithful member of St. Michael Catholic Church.
Papa Joe had an incredible life. He was a patriot, serving in the Army in World War II and fighting in the Pacific. He was a hard-worker; from the coalmines to Berta Brothers Transportation to First National Bank, he was strong, dependable, and respected. He was an amazing athlete, excelling at every sport he tried: football, baseball, bowling, and especially golf. His talents and accomplishments are far too many to mention, but they will always be treasured by his family.
Joe is survived by children Pat (Drew) Cronk, Gerry Snyder, Jeanne (Mike) Cowan, and Judy (Ron) Newby, all of Canon City; Tammy (Jim) Newby and Cindy (Mike) Harris, both of Soldotna, Alaska; and Dan (Stacy) Berta of Pueblo West. Papa Joe will be missed by his 16 grandchildren and their spouses and by 16 great-grandchildren. Joe is survived by his brother Earl (Carolyn) Berta and several nieces and nephews.
Joe was preceded in death by his beloved Lena in 2010, his parents, infant son Joseph Eugene, son Joseph Mario, and son-in-law Doug Snyder.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Sangre de Cristo Hospice-West at 601 Greenwood Avenue, Canon City, Colorado 81212.
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