Alfred M. Bertolet

Alfred M."Sime" Bertolet, local aviation pioneer and a founder of Reading Aviation Service, Suburban Airlines, Public Aviation, and the Reading Air Show, died March 7 at the age of 93 in his Wyomissing home surrounded by his family and devoted caregivers. Mr. Bertolet was born September 17, 1916 in Ontelaunee Township to Laura and William A. Bertolet. For 64 years he was the husband of Magda Y. of Casablanca, French Morocco, who survives him.

He is also survived by his brother, Clarence M. "Herb" Bertolet and his daughters, Kathryn B., wife of Albert W. Golden III, Nadine B., wife of John P. Weidenhammer, and son, Sime B. Bertolet, husband of Jill Ann. He has three grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Mr. Bertolet, a veteran of World War II, was the chief multi-engine test pilot at the Cadiz Airbase in Casablanca for the Army Air Corp and later the Air Transport Command, where he flew "The Hump" in the China-Burma-India Theater.

Mr. Bertolet discovered his love of flying as a young boy walking to school past Whander Field in Leesport. His childhood interest led him through a successful aviation career as president of Reading Aviation Service and founder and president of Public Aviation. He was a past president of the National Air Taxi Conference, Aircraft Owners Pilots Association, Sportsman Pilots Association, and the Pennsylvania Aviation Trade Association. As well, he was a vice-president of the National Aviation Trade Association, and a technical industrial consultant to the General Aviation Council and a past director of the National Pilot Association. He was a life-long member of the Quiet Birdmen. Mr. Bertolet was the first recipient of the Governor's Aviation Trophy in 1970 for outstanding contributions in aviation in Pennsylvania.

Mr. Bertolet was a past chairman of the board of Berks Area Rapid Transit Authority and served on the board of St. Joseph Hospital. In 1969 Sime was a member of the expedition sponsored by The Philadelphia Academy of Natural Science and The Explorers Club, which was charged with recovering the lost cannons of Captain James Cook from the Great Barrier Reef of Australia. He was a member of The Maidencreek Fish and Game Association.

When not flying Sime was an avid gardener, hunter, fisherman, and a gourmet cook. He loved life and lived it to the fullest. The family will be receiving visitors for a celebration of his life at the Kuhn Funeral Home, 739 Penn Avenue, West Reading, PA. from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 11. A memorial service will commence at 4:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to Berks Visiting Nurse Association, 1170 Berkshire Blvd., Ste. 1, Wyomissing, PA 19610. Online condolences may be recorded at www.kuhnfuneralhome.com.