Obituary of Leonard Berton

Age 85, of Bridgeville, on December 16, 2017. Loving Husband of 50 years to Elizabeth (Snyder) Berton (deceased), Devoted Father of Mark Berton, Veronica Berton, Catherine (Tina) Cook, Grandfather of Leonard Berton II, Elizabeth Ellerbrock, Ashley Cook (deceased) and Charles Cook, Great Grandfather of Amber Lynn Berton and Jessica Lindeman. Father-in-law to Philip Ellerbrock and Dr. Donna Posluszny-Berton, and Jennifer Lauren-Berton. Leonard (Skip) was the son of Antonio Berton(i) and Catherine (Zinni) Berton(i) who immigrated from Trieste Italy. Born on March 13, 1932 in (Upper St. Clair) Bridgeville. The youngest and survivor of seven siblings; Anthony Berton, Virginia (Berton) Pancari, Mellio Berton, Frank Berton, Jean (Berton) Latshaw, Quinto Berton. Skip enjoyed bowling with his wife, family and friends. Gardening was also his forte, and he took great pride in his tomato and pepper plants. Skip had a true passion and talent in training his dogs throughout his life, and enjoyed showing off their skills. Skip also loved to fish with family and friends given any opportunity. He and his brothers enjoyed making wine from an old family recipe brought by his father from Italy, and has passed that on to his children who continue that tradition today with his daughter Veronica as the lead vintner. Skip began a career with Ed Ryan founder of Ryan Homes at the age of 18, and worked as a laborer, crew leader, and heavy equipment operator. In 1963, he built his family’s home in Bridgeville. In 1970, he began his own excavation company, and worked with Ford to develop the first turbo charger retrofitted to a diesel engine on excavation equipment to improve the machines working power. In 1980, he began his career with the Borough of Bridgeville, Public Works Department. In 1985 was promoted to head of Public Works for Bridgeville Borough where he remained until his retirement in 2002. Skip was the quintessential family man and friend. He will be sorely missed by all those who have known him, and our comfort is that he is now at peace with his true love and wife Elizabeth. Family and friends received on Monday from 6-8 and Tuesday from 2-4 and 6-8 PM at the Warchol Funeral Home Inc., 3060 Washington Pike, Bridgeville (412.221.3333). A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday at 10 AM at Holy Child Parish. Memorials may be made to Southbridge EMS.