Richard G Bertini, MD

Richard G. Bertini MD of Pawtucket, RI and Monument Beach, MA died of complications of vascular disease on Friday January 27, 2017.  An orthopedic Surgeon who practiced medicine in Pawtucket for over forty years, he was a loving husband, dedicated family man and well known to many as kind, generous, humble and having a great sense of humor. 

The son of Armand A. Bertini, MD and Elizabeth (Kinne) Bertini, he was born on July 27, 1932.  He is survived by his wife of 56 years Lois D. Higgins Bertini, his children Lori D. Rolfe (Steven), Jena E. McNulty (Michael) and Richard G. Bertini Jr. (Kimberly), his grandchildren Michael R. McNulty, Jr. (Kaitlin), Heather D. Daly (Matthew), Jonathan R. McNulty (Sarah), Eric A. Pinault and Jacqueline R. Loffredo (Michael) and his six great grandchildren Michael III , Gwenyth, Rosalie, Laurel , Lillian and to-be-born baby Loffredo.  Richard is also survived by his sister Elaine J. Roske, his niece Diane E. Roske and nephew Paul D. Roske.  He will be profoundly missed by all.

Richard was a member of the Rhode Island Society of Mayflower Descendants.  Educated in the Pawtucket Public Schools, he went on to graduate with honors from Wesleyan University followed by Albany medical College and had an internship and residency at RI hospital, was a fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic surgeons, practiced in Pawtucket at Memorial Hospital for over 40 years and was Chief of the Orthopedic Department for 19 years before retiring in 1999.  Upon retirement he received the Emeriti Award from the Brown University School of Medicine.  Richard made additional contributions to higher education as trustee of Talladega College in Alabama where he served for 14 years in multiple chairs.  As past President of both the RI Medical Society and Pawtucket Medical Association, he was honored with The Dr. Charles L. Hill Award in 1996.  He also served as ship's physician for the Landmark School's High school program aboard the tall ship "TeVega" for two Atlantic crossings.

He grew up in and became a leading member of the Pawtucket Congregational Church UCC.  He was a choir member for more than 40 years and served as a delegate to the state conference and General Synod.  Richard was a patron of the RI-UCC Haiti Task Force from its early years, with which he traveled accompanied by his wife Lois and their daughter Lori to aid in building a medical clinic and school in Port-au-Prince.  He also, along with his wife, served as delegate to the US-USSR Bridges for Peace program through which was able to deliver surplus medical supplies and equipment for victims of the Chernobyl disaster.

Richard was a tireless worker at all things he endeavored to take on.  He loved his family and was consistently present to support and participate in their lives.  His passion for music was a major component in his life.  On his eightieth birthday his memoir “Memories, With a Sprinkling of Opinion” was published.

A memorial service followed by collation will be held at Swan Point Cemetery on Saturday February 11, 2017 at 11:00 a.m.  In lieu of flowers, donations will be welcomed at Doctors without Borders, 333 7th Avenue, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10001 or Hope Hospice RI, 1085 N. Main Street Providence, RI 02904.

For online condolences please visit www.manningheffern.com

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